Tigers confirm signing of Jonathan Schoop, drop outfielder

The Detroit Tigers are parting ways with outfielder Travis Demeritte to make room for second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who was re-signed to a one-year deal on Friday.

Demeritte, 26, was acquired from the Atlanta Braves on July 31, 2019, in exchange for reliever Shane Greene. The Tigers also received left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz, who will miss most of this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

In parts of two seasons with the Tigers, Demeritte hit .217 with a .608 OPS (61 OPS+) in 66 games. He hit three home runs in 219 plate appearances. He struck out 77 times and walked 17 times.

A converted infielder, Demeritte played almost exclusively in right field, where he was rated as a subpar defender by most metrics.

If Demeritte clears waivers, he can be outrighted to Triple-A Toledo and provide depth for the big-league club. The Tigers have lost three players on waivers this year, most recently shortstop Sergio Alcantara to the Chicago Cubs.

The Tigers still have seven outfielders on the 40-man roster. Robbie Grossman, JaCoby Jones and Victor Reyes are expected to start. Prospect Daz Cameron made his Major League debut in 2020. Rule 5 Draft pick Akil Baddoo must make the team out of spring training or be returned to the Minnesota Twins. Derek Hill and Christin Stewart have survived the winter roster purge so far, but could still be vulnerable if the Tigers elect to sign another free agent.

TIGERS’ 40-MAN ROSTER (40)

Left-handed pitchers (6): Tyler Alexander, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Norris, Tarik Skubal, Gregory Soto, Joey Wentz.

Right-handed pitchers (16): Beau Burrows, Jose Cisnero, Alex Faedo, Buck Farmer, Michael Fulmer, Kyle Funkhouser, Bryan Garcia, Rony Garcia, Joe Jimenez, Alex Lange, Matt Manning, Casey Mize, Franklin Perez, John Schreiber, Spencer Turnbull, Jose Urena.

Catchers (3): Grayson Greiner, Wilson Ramos, Jake Rogers.

Infielders (7): Miguel Cabrera, Jeimer Candelario, Harold Castro, Willi Castro, Niko Goodrum, Isaac Paredes, Jonathan Schoop, Zack Short.

Outfielders (7): Akil Baddoo, Daz Cameron, Robbie Grossman, Derek Hill, JaCoby Jones, Victor Reyes, Christin Stewart.

TIGERS’ OFFSEASON ADDITIONS

Nov. 20: Selected the contracts of left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz and right-handed pitchers Alex Faedo, Alex Lange and Matt Manning.

Dec. 10: Selected outfielder Akil Baddoo in the Rule 5 Draft.

Dec. 23: Signed right-handed pitcher Jose Urena.

Jan. 5: Signed outfielder Robbie Grossman.

Jan. 29: Formally announced signing of catcher Wilson Ramos.

Feb. 5: Re-signed infielder Jonathan Schoop.

TIGERS’ OFFSEASON SUBTRACTIONS

Nov. 20: Released infielder Brandon Dixon, who will pursue a job in Japan.

Dec. 7: Right-handed pitcher Anthony Castro was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dec. 23: Designated catcher Eric Haase for assignment. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo.

Jan. 5: Designated outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. for assignment. He was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jan. 29: Designated infielder Sergio Alcantara for assignment. He was claimed by the Chicago Cubs.

Feb. 5: Designed outfielder Travis Demeritte for assignment.

TIGERS’ FREE-AGENT SIGNINGS

Major League (4): RHP Jose Urena, OF Robbie Grossman, C Wilson Ramos, IF Jonathan Schoop.

Minor league (14): LHP Ian Krol*, C Dustin Garneau*, LHP Locke St. John, RHP A.J. Ladwig, RHP Henry Martinez, RHP Zac Shepherd, IF Isrrael De La Cruz, LHP Miguel Del Pozo, LHP Robbie Ross, RHP Andrew Moore, IF Yariel Gonzalez, 1B Aderlin Rodriguez, RHP Erasmo Ramirez*, LHP Derek Holland, IF Drew Ward.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.