The Detroit Tigers had yet another disappointing season in 2022, losing 96 games and falling short of the postseason after the signings of Eduardo Rodriguez and Javier Baez.
They had also acquired Austin Meadows from the Tampa Bay Rays.
But on Wednesday, the team made a key move to bolster their infield depth, signing veteran second baseman Cesar Hernandez to a minor league contract.
The 32-year-old spent the 2022 season with the Washington Nationals, hitting just .248 with only one home run, but he hit 21 home runs in 2021 with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox.
On Twitter, MLB insider Jon Heyman was the first with the news of the Tigers’ latest signing.
Cesar Hernandez agrees to minors deal with Tigers. Invited to MLB camp.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 25, 2023
Hernandez, a former Gold Glove Award winner, came up to the big leagues in 2013 with the Philadelphia Phillies.
He signed with Cleveland prior to the 2020 season and was there until being acquired by the White Sox for the stretch run of the 2021 season.
Though the veteran utilityman had a down year in 2022, he still could provide some power for the Tigers, that is, if he can return to his 2021 form.
That would be most beneficial for the Tigers, who were last in the major leagues in runs scored and home runs in 2022.
Detroit does have a few solid bats in their lineup, such as Miguel Cabrera, Spencer Torkelson, Jonathan Schoop, Riley Greene, and Akil Baddoo.
The Tigers also acquired Nick Maton and Matt Vierling from the Phillies in exchange for left-hander Gregory Soto this offseason.
Hernandez will have a chance to prove himself in spring training and earn a spot on Detroit’s Opening Day roster.
NEXT: Javy Baez Rocked An Ugly 2022 Stat
