Tigers Reportedly Sign Josh Harrison To Man Second Base

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Ron Gardenhire said Wednesday morning the Tigers still had their eyes on a few free agents. On Wednesday afternoon the team agreed to a one-year deal with infielder Josh Harrison, according to Ken Rosenthal. 

Rosenthal adds that Harrison, a two-time All-Star who hit .250 over 97 games with the Pirates last season, is expected to be Detroit's everyday second baseman. 

Free-agent infielder Josh Harrison in agreement with the #Tigers on a one-year contract, pending physical, source tells The Athletic. Expected to their everyday second baseman.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 20, 2019

That would mean Detroit's middle infield this season will consist of two Pirates imports, with Harrison joining shortstop and fellow free agent acquisition Jordy Mercer. The two spent seven seasons together in Pittsburgh. 

Harrison, 31, will bring versatility and experience to Detroit. He played second base, third base and outfield over eight years in Pittsburgh, spending most of last season at second.

At the plate, he's a career .277 hitter with a .725 OPS. He was last productive in 2017 when he earned a trip to the All-Star Game. His best season came in 2014, another All-Star campaign, when he hit .315 with an .837 OPS and finished ninth in MVP voting. 

The Tigers signed Mercer at the recommendation of Jim Leyland, who follows his hometown Pirates closely. It's fair to wonder if Leyland had a say in their decision to sign Harrison as well. 

The acquisition of Harrison will move Niko Goodrum, who had a shot to be Detroit's starting second baseman, back into his super utility role. 

Should Harrison perform well over the first half of the season, the Tigers will likely try to flip him at the trade deadline.