Tigers Sign Pirate Free Agent Harrison

DETROIT (AP) — Tigers sign utility free agent.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 19: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws to first base to force out Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning during the game at PNC Park on August 19, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

 

Free agent Josh Harrison has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal was still subject to a successful physical.

 

ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 10: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on September 10, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

 

The 31-year-old Harrison spent his first eight major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He's played second base, third base, shortstop and in the outfield.

Harrison did not have a great 2018 at the plate, hitting .250 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs. He missed time early in the season with a hand injury and ended up playing just 97 games.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 03: Josh Harrison #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates while scoring on a RBI single in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on August 3, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

 

The Tigers could end up replicating Pittsburgh's up-the-middle-combination of Harrison and shortstop Jordy Mercer, who signed with Detroit earlier in the offseason .

Harrison hit a career-high 16 home runs in 2017, and he batted .315 in 2014, but he's never played more than 143 games in a season. If he plays well for Detroit, the rebuilding Tigers may be able to trade him for a prospect or two.

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