Jeff Riger: Tigers Should Trade For Figgins

As MLB free agency begins on Thursday, teams are already making trades to improve their 2012 rosters and I have one to propose on the Tigers' behalf. As we all know, Detroit has needs in the bullpen, the outfield and at second and third base and Chone Figgins could help with the latter two. Figgins is currently residing in the Emerald City coming off his two worst seasons as a major leaguer and is 33 years old. So why am I even talking about him then....right?

Well, I believe in changes of scenery and that they help and if a move from Seattle to Detroit is the solution, well then Figgins could contribute to the Tigers substantially. You see, up until the last couple seasons, Figgins was a perennial .300 hitter who can get on base and then steal them. In 2009, he led the league in walks and in 2005 he led the league in stolen bases. Figgins also has the ability to be a leadoff hitter, something that the Tigers are in much need of if Austin Jackson has another down season. As for Figgins' defensive ability, he has played second, third and centerfield in his career and could be Detroit's everyday player at either infield position.

So what will he cost, you wonder? The answer is next to nothing. Seattle has internal, cheaper options to fill any infield void and would love nothing more than to get rid of the contract that they are currently paying Figgins. So Detroit would give up very little to acquire him in a trade. In 2012, Figgins is due to make $9 million while in 2013 he will make $8 million. There is also an option for 2014 that is based on plate appearances in 2013, Figgins would have to get 600 at bats to be paid another $9 million.

Of course there is a risk when you trade for a 33-year-old player who has had a couple of down seasons. But considering the Tigers would have to give up nothing to acquire the 8-year veteran and free agent options of Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rawlins are not realistic, I believe that Figgins is the right move. Remember also that the Tigers have money coming off their payroll as Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen will not be brought back. Detroit gave Ordonez $10 million last season and was paying Guillen $13 million so there should not be a reason why $9 million would be too much to spend on a player.

If Figgins could regain the offensive numbers he had before 2010, then he could put the Tigers over the top. How long have you heard Detroit talk about getting "speed" to play in a very spacious Comerica Park and there is still none on the team. Figgins could help change that. There have been many players that have had a couple of down seasons and then have reemerged as the athlete they once were. Bobby Abreu and Vladimir Guerrero are a couple that come right to mind. So would you do it? Should the Tigers do it? I would!