Tigers Reportedly Sign Ex-Yankees Backup Catcher Austin Romine
The Detroit Tigers can use some experience as the team continues their rebuild in 2020. That includes someone to help guide a pitching staff featuring both veterans and young prospects.
Austin Romine appears to be one player to help the cause, as the Tigers are reportedly preparing to sign him, first broken by George A. King III of the New York Post.
Free agent catcher Austin Romine and Tigers closing in on two-year deal.
— George A. King III (@GeorgeAKingIII) December 12, 2019
Turns out, however, that it's actually just a one-year pact, per the latest reports.
#Tigers in a 1-yr agreement with Austin Romine. #Yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2019
Romine has been a backup catcher with the New York Yankees since 2011 and posted back-to-back positive-WAR seasons in 2018 and 2019. He was a solid backup, and his departure certainly does not have anything to do with his abilities.
The Yankees have interest in C Martin Maldonado, per source. Interesting stats to consider: Maldonado caught Gerrit Cole 10 times in 2019 - and Cole had a 1.57 ERA and .471 opponent OPS in those starts, his lowest numbers with any of Houston's catchers last season.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 11, 2019
It's possible the Yankees do whatever it takes to get Martin Maldonado to please Gerrit Cole. The team already invested so much money in Cole, so it makes sense to try to get the best performance out of him every five days. However, if Kyle Higashioka takes over the backup duties, Yankee fans would also be perfectly satisfied.
Romine now heads to a team that features Miguel Cabrera. Why is that important? The two players brawled just a few seasons ago. Hopefully they can make up to avoid any dysfunction for a team just trying to learn how to win games.
Austin Romine to the Tigers. This shouldn’t be awkward or anything. pic.twitter.com/eicvwRZa8W
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) December 12, 2019
The veteran catcher will likely finally get a chance to play in a full-time role and could end up proving he is more than just a backup, using that $4 million to his benefit.