In terms of payroll, the Tigers are capable of spending big in free agency, but that does not seem likelyGETTY IMAGES
The Tigers' offseason "may be devoid of groundbreaking moves, even though the Tigers are now applying a 'sense of urgency' mantra to their prolonged rebuild," which "seems to be internally projected" for a '22 finish, according to Evan Petzold of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Although the Tigers "only have one major payroll obligation" for '21 with 1B Miguel Cabrera's $30M and are "financially capable of spending for a couple of long-term All-Star contracts in free agency, that doesn't seem to be what's in store for the organization." There are "two reasons" for this. The first is the "financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic," as it is "unknown how many fans will be in Comerica Park next season." Likewise, the schedule "might not be a full 162 games, but rather another shortened season." Every team in baseball is "facing some type of financial shortage." The business side of the industry "isn't well, and it would be reckless" for Tigers Exec VP & GM Al Avila to "promise the signings of top players ... because it's possible he won't be able to make good on his word." Once Avila has an "understanding of which prospects are likely to have big-league sustainability, the Tigers can open the checkbook and sign long-term free agents next offseason, assuming the financial climate is back to normal" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/27).
