Torii Hunter kicks off free agency, agrees on two year deal with Detroit Tigers – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, former Los Angeles Angels’ outfielder Torii Hunter has agreed to a two year $26 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. Hunter was in Detroit on Tuesday to have a meeting with the Tigers’ officials. It seems the Tigers
made the offer as part of Hunter’s visit.
The source claimed that the Tigers’ offer was too go to be refused and Hunter had no hesitation in accepting it. The 37-year-old became a free agent after completing his five year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. He played with the Minnesota Twins for 11
consecutive years prior to that.
He had a decent time on the plate last season as he hit .313 with 16 home-runs and 92 RBI’s. There is no denying the fact Hunter is an extremely talented hitter but what separates him from other outfielders is his ability to defend.
Tigers wanted to sign Hunter to improve their overall defence. Additionally, Hunter can provide some solidity at second as one of the most important positions offensively. Hunter has fallen short of the World Series in seven post-season trips with the Twins
and the Angels. With the Tigers, he will have an excellent chance to get there.
Over the last few years, the Tigers have emerged as one of the strongest teams in Major League Baseball. Under Jim Leyland’s supervision, they have made it to the World Series finals twice in the last seven years. Who can forget the way they thrashed the
New York Yankees to claim the American League Championship title?
Although the rusty Tigers were swept by the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, they will open the next season as favourites. With Torii Hunter in the outfield corner, the Tigers will strengthen up their batting line-up considerably. The top five in
the Tigers’ batting order will be Austin Jackson, Miguel Cabrera, Torii Hunter, Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez.
Martinez is making a return from his knee injury after missing the entire last season. It will be interesting to see if Hunter can live up to the expectations to improve Tigers’ chances of winning the season.
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