Al Avila said Monday at the winter meetings that signing a veteran catcher is the "top priority" this winter for the Tigers. He said they might even sign two.
It appears they have a target: Robinson Chirinos.
According to Jon Morosi, the Tigers are showing interest in the veteran backstop, who's coming off a career year with the Astros.
Chirinos, 35, hit 17 home runs with a .790 OPS over 114 games in 2019. He also served as the personal catcher for Justin Verlander. His 3.8 WAR, per baseball-reference, was tied for fourth in the majors among catchers.
Detroit's four catchers last season -- John Hicks, Grayson Greiner, Jake Rogers and Bobby Wilson -- combined for a WAR of minus-2.6.
The Tigers have moved on from Hicks and Wilson, and they intend for the 24-year-old Rogers to start the season in Triple-A. Greiner, 27, will likely serve as the opening-day backup in the majors.
The starter, whether it's Chirinos or someone else, will almost certainly be acquired via free agency.
"We offer a unique opportunity, more so than some other teams that are looking for backups," Avila said. "The person that we acquire could end up being the starting catcher depending on performance."
The Tigers are also looking for a first baseman and a corner outfielder on the free agent market, among other positions.
