The Detroit Tigers lost another player by resignation.
This time it was shortstop Sergio Alcantara, who was assigned to the mission when the Tigers hired receiver Wilson Ramos.
The Chicago Cubs claimed Alcantara, 24, on Friday.
Alcantara made his Premier League debut for the Tigers in 2020, hitting a home run on his first shot. Despite the unexpected display of power, Alcantara is known far more for his defense than for his attack.
The strength of his arm led some to suggest that he might have a second life as a pitcher.
Alcantara was one of three prospects acquired from Arizona Diamondbacks in the JD Martinez deal in 2017. Field mate Dawel Lugo is no longer with the organization. Jose King, 22, most recently played in Class A West Michigan in 2019.
The Tigers lost two other players to layoffs this winter. Right-handed pitcher Anthony Castro is now in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and outfielder Troy Stokes is now in the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Alcantara is out of options, which means he must be part of the Cubs major league club or be subject to resignations once again. If the Cubs helped him get through exemptions, he could be routed directly to the minor leagues and remain in the Cubs’ organization. It happened with Castro and Stokes, who are no longer on the list of 40 players from their new teams.
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, Zack Short.
Outfielders (8): Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron, Travis Demeritte, 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.
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.
TIGERS FREE AGENT SIGNATURES
Major League (3): RHP Jose Urena, DE Robbie Grossman, C Wilson Ramos.
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.