The Detroit Tigers are splitting from outside defender Travis Demeritte to make way for second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who signed a one-year contract on Friday.
Demeritte, 26, was acquired from the Atlanta Braves on July 31, 2019, in exchange for reliever Shane Greene. The Tigers also received left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz, who will miss most of this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
In parts of two seasons with the Tigers, Demeritte reached 0.217 with 0.608 OPS (61 OPS +) in 66 games. He hit three home runs in 219 plate games. He hit 77 times and walked 17 times.
A converted field player, Demeritte played almost exclusively on the right field, where he was classified as a below average defender by most metrics.
If Demeritte releases resignations, he could be defeated to Triple-A Toledo and provide depth for the big league club. The Tigers lost three players by resignation this year, most recently shortstop Sergio Alcantara to the Chicago Cubs.
The Tigers still have seven outfielders in the 40-player roster. Robbie Grossman, JaCoby Jones and Victor Reyes are expected to start. Prospect Daz Cameron made his Major League debut in 2020. Rule 5 Draft pick Akil Baddoo must take the team out of spring training or be returned to the Minnesota Twins. Derek Hill and Christin Stewart have survived the winter squad purge so far, but they may still be vulnerable if the Tigers decide to hire another free agent.
ROSTER 40 MEN OF TIGERS (40)
Left-handed launchers (6): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Norris, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz.
Right-handed launchers (16): Beau Burrows, Jose Cisnero, Alex Faedo, Buck Farmer, Michael Fulmer, Kyle Funkhouser, Bryan Garcia, Rony Garcia, Joe Jimenez, Alex Lange, Matt Manning, Casey Mize, Franklin Perez, John Schreiber, Spencer Turnbull, Jose Urena.
Catchers (3): Grayson Greiner, Wilson Ramos, Jake Rogers.
Infielders (7): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Harold Castro, Willi Castro, Niko Goodrum, Isaac Paredes, Jonathan Schoop, Zack Short.
Outfielders (7): Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron, Robbie Grossman, Derek Hill, JaCoby Jones, Victor Reyes, Christin Stewart.
TIGER OFFER ADDITIONS
November 20: He selected the left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz and right-handed pitchers Alex Faedo, Alex Lange and Matt Manning.
December 10: Outfielder selected Akil Baddoo in Rule 5 Draft.
December 23: Right-handed pitcher signed Jose Urena.
January 5: Outfielder hired Robbie Grossman.
January 29: Wilson Ramos catcher signature formally announced.
February 5th: Internal player rehired Jonathan Schoop.
TIGER OFFENSE SUBTITIONS
November 20: Brandon Dixon infielder launched, who will look for a job in Japan.
December 7: Right-handed pitcher Anthony Castro was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays.
December 23: Seeker assigned Eric Haase for assignment. He canceled the resignations and went straight to Triple-A Toledo.
January 5: Outfielder assigned Troy Stokes Jr. for assignment. It was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
January 29: Infielder designated Sergio Alcantara for assignment. It was claimed by the Chicago Cubs.
February 5th: Projected outfielder Travis Demeritte for assignment.
TIGERS FREE AGENT SIGNATURES
Major League (4): RHP Jose Urena, DE Robbie Grossman, C Wilson Ramos, IF Jonathan Schoop.
Secondary alloy (14): LHP Ian Krol *, C Dustin Garneau *, LHP Locke St. John, RHP AJ Ladwig, RHP Henry Martinez, RHP Zac Shepherd, IF Isrrael De La Cruz, LHP Miguel Del Pozo, LHP Robbie Ross, RHP Andrew Moore, IF Yariel Gonzalez, 1B Aderlin Rodriguez, RHP Erasmo Ramirez *, LHP Derek Holland, IF Drew Ward.