When it comes to the AL Central, there are two universally accepted realities.
One: The Minnesota Twins are the best team and the favorites to take the division crown again.
And two: The Kansas City Royals are the most improved team.
However, don’t sleep on the Detroit Tigers, who have been more active than they usually are and completed another sneaky good move on Thursday.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, they brought in a starting-caliber third baseman on the cheap.
“Gio Urshela to Tigers. $1.5M plus incentives,” Heyman tweeted.
Gio Urshela to Tigers. $1.5M plus incentives.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2024
Urshela is not the most durable player in the league, but he is a talented two-way performer who can provide average or above-average offensive and defensive production.
To get him on a contract that only slightly surpasses the league minimum is a coup for the team.
The infielder, who can play third base and shortstop, was limited to 62 games last season.
He hit .299/.329/.374 with 11 extra-base hits and a .703 OPS.
For his career, he has a .745 OPS: solid, albeit unspectacular.
Steadiness is what can be expected from Urshela.
He is the most recent addition for a team that has also welcomed Mark Canha, Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda, Andrew Chafin, and Shelby Miller, plus the Colt Keith extension.
This is a team that already finished second last year, and has the potential to finally deliver a season of .500 or better if things break right.
The Tigers are perhaps a year away from being true playoff contenders, but for the first time in years, there is legit hope among fans.
NEXT: Young Tigers Star Projected To Have A Massive 2024 Season