With just a few weeks before 2024 MLB Opening Day, there are still several notable free agents out there. One of those names was Gio Urshela, who’s now a member of the Detroit Tigers after his reported agreement with the team.
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A Look at Urshela
The Angels added Gio Urshela last winter to provide some much-needed depth in the Los Angeles infield, something that was needed thanks to an injured Anthony Rendon. However, Urshela himself had injury problems.
Limited to 62 games thanks to a left pelvis fracture, Urshela hit .299/.329/.374 with just two home runs and 11 extra-base hits.
The 32-year-old Urshela is an unspectacular, yet solid hitter. Urshela doesn’t have premium pop, as indicated by his career ISO of .146. However, the new Tiger is a very good contact hitter and can get at balls both in and out of the zone.
Urshela doesn’t overcomplicate things at the plate, nor does he look to pull on outside pitches and sell out for power.
Defensively, Urshela has played extensively at third base but has also seen time at short, first, and the outfield. He’s not an average defender at third.
Per reports, the Tigers agreed to sign Gio Urshela to a one-year deal worth at least $1.5MM.
Analysis
Urshela heads back to the AL Central, a division the 32-year-old is quite familiar with. The new Tiger played with the Twins in 2022 and began his career with the now-Cleveland Guardians.
The Tigers didn’t receive much production from the third base position in 2023. In fact, Tigers third basemen finished the year 28th in wRC+ (74).
Now-Oriole Nick Maton posted a .593 OPS for the Tigers in 2023. Utilityman Zach McKinstry did get off to a good start and stole 16 bases for the Tigers but his production took a dip from June onward.
With newly-extended infielder Colt Keith likely a second baseman full-time, Urshela has a lane to be the everyday Tigers third baseman for 2024, as Detroit looks to build on what was a solid 2023 campaign.
At a good price that could likely be attributed to the fact that Urshela missed a good chunk of 2023, it’s a low-risk move for Detroit.