The Tigers are betting on a bounceback by Nomar Mazara.
Detroit has signed the slugging outfielder to a one-year, $1.75 million deal, according to reports.
Mazara struggled in 2020 with the White Sox, hitting just one home run and posting a .589 OPS across 42 games. But he hit at least 19 homers in each of the four seasons before that with the Rangers.
Most notably for the Tigers, Mazara's a left-handed hitter with good track record against righties, including an .844 OPS in 2019. The Tigers had an OPS of .655 against righties last season, second to last in the AL.
While Mazara, 25, should add some power to Detroit's lineup, he'll also add a bunch of strikeouts. And a low number of walks. He's also a minus on defense. He's spent most of his career in right field, which presents a major challenge at Comerica Park.
With JaCoby Jones in center, it looks like the Tigers will platoon at the corner spots with a trio of Mazara, Robbie Grossman and Victor Reyes. Christin Stewart, Daz Cameron and Derek Hill could also vie for playing time.