Victor Martinez might not be the only big-money free agent the Detroit Tigers sign this offseason. Despite already giving a four-year, $50 million contract to Martinez last week, reports have the Tigers among the three teams who could sign outfielder Jayson Werth.
FOXSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi writes that the Boston Red Sox are currently perceived as the favorite to get Werth. The Los Angeles Angels are also in the mix, but would prefer Carl Crawford. And the Texas Rangers could also pursue Werth, if they can’t re-sign Cliff Lee.
But don’t count out the Tigers, says Morosi.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are more confident in their ability to sign Werth than Crawford, a source indicated Thursday. Detroit signed Victor Martinez away from Boston earlier this offseason, but team officials believe they need at least one more impact hitter for the outfield.
It’s hardly a secret that the Tigers still want to add a right-handed hitting corner outfielder. Magglio Ordonez still seems like the most likely option for the Tigers, as he’ll come cheaper and require fewer years on a contract than Werth.
But with the Chicago White Sox agreeing on a contract with Adam Dunn (and re-signing Paul Konerko still not out of the question), perhaps the Tigers will feel the need to raise the stakes to keep up in the AL Central.