There's a chance the Tigers sign a big-name shortstop in the coming days. It just won't be the biggest name on the market.
After talking with Carlos Correa -- and Marcus Semien -- to open free agency, the Tigers have recently shifted their focus to Javier Baez, according to multiple reports on Friday.
Baez figures to cost less than Correa, and while the Tigers are 'determined' to sign one of the several star shortstops on the market, they won't spend $300 million on one player, according to Jon Heyman.
That likely eliminates them from conversations around Correa and Corey Seager, both of whom are aiming for deals worth $300 million-plus. Hence the conversations with Baez.
Asked last week if the organization was willing to spend $300 million on a shortstop, owner Chris Ilitch said he would defer to GM Al Avila and A.J. Hinch regarding "what our organization needs to accomplish our goals and to execute our plan."
"Again, the resources are going to be there," said Ilitch. "I know Al, A.J. and myself are all very aligned in making sure that when we talk about new contracts through free agency, we need to be mindful that our goal is not to be good one time, but to be good over the course of time."
Baez is a two-time All-Star and 2020 Gold Glove winner who turns 29 in December. He hit .265 with 31 homers and an .813 OPS last season with the Cubs and the Mets. He also led the NL in strikeouts. His 3.6 fWAR ranked 11th among shortstops, sandwiched between Trevor Story and Willy Adames. Correa ranked third at 5.8.
Even if he's not the headliner of the market, Baez would be a significant upgrade for Detroit at the game's most important position. The club's starting shortstop has produced 3.4 fWAR over the last four seasons combined.
