Former Twins Teammates Jonathan Schoop and CJ Cron Reportedly Signing With Tigers
By Sean Facey
The Detroit Tigers have added a pair of starting-caliber players in the infield.
According to Ken Rosenthal, former Minnesota Twins second baseman Jonathan Schoop has signed with the Tigers on a one-year, $6.1 million contract that also includes performance bonuses.
Free-agent 2B Jonathan Schoop in agreement with #Tigers on one-year, $6.1M contract, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 21, 2019
Will be everyday second baseman, likely hit in middle of the order. Deal also includes performance bonuses.
His 2019 teammate, first baseman and designated hitter C.J. Cron, has also signed with the team on a one-year, $6.1 million deal, per Jeff Passan.
First baseman C.J. Cron and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $6.1 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2019
A seven-year veteran and former All-Star, Schoop adds a bit of help on offense that the Tigers sorely needed last year. After all, they finished dead last in on-base percentage (.294) and wRC+ (77) in 2019.
Schoop slashed .256/.304/.473 with 23 home runs and 59 rRBI last year while playing for the Twins, and since 2015, he's been an above-average hitter, posting a 104 OPS+ over the last five seasons.
Cron produced at a similar rate while manning first base duties for the Twins last year, slugging 25 home runs to the tune of a .780 OPS.
Tigers To Sign Jonathan Schoop https://t.co/efgqdyTDcD pic.twitter.com/WXPZyQb3li
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 21, 2019
Sliding the two of them into the middle of the batting order might not solve all of the Tigers' offensive woes, but it they at least gives them some reliable starters on the right side of the infield that aren't downright abysmal.
In fact, with Schoop and Cron in the heart of the lineup, the rebuilding Tigers look to be just a little bit more watchable heading into the 2020 season.