Torii Hunter signs two year $26 million deal with Detroit Tigers – MLB Update
Outfielder Torii Hunter has agreed to sign with the Detroit Tigers, pending a physical. As of now, the terms of the contract are unknown as Jerry Rosenthal of ESPN.com believes Hunter will sign a deal worth $26 million. Hunter visited Detroit on Tuesday
to have discussions with the Tigers’ officials. Apparently, Tigers offer was too good to turn down for Hunter.
On Wednesday, Hunter asked his Twitter followers to tune into the Major League Baseball Network. The news of his agreement with the Tigers surfaced shortly afterwards.
It seems Detroit is the perfect landing spot for Hunter. Firstly, he will have the chance to play for a team favourites to win the World Series title in the next season. Additionally, Hunter will be able to spend some time with his son Torii Jr., who has
been recently signed by a football team in Detroit.
Hunter seems to be the perfect fit for the Tigers as he can provide solidity with the bat at an extremely brutal position offensively. He can also help the Tigers improve their defence. If reports of his signing with the Tigers are true, Hunter will bat
at second behind first baseman Prince Fielder and in front of third baseman Miguel Cabrera.
In addition to his impressive hitting skills, the right hander also has the ability to pass on valuable skills to the youngsters. Under Hunter’s supervision, prospects Nick Castellanos and Avisail Garcia will have an excellent opportunity to polish their
skills in the Minor League.
Tigers’ batting line-up looks very solid with Hunter batting at Number two spot. Austin Jackson, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez, returning from a knee injury, are the other Top 4 of the Tigers’ batting order.
In his 16-year long MLB career, the 37-year-old has given some impressive performances. He is a four-time All Star and winner of nine Gold Glove Awards. Hunter was signed by the Los Angeles Angels in 2007. He hit .313 with 16 home-runs and 92 RBI’s in his
final season with the Angels.
It will be interesting to see if he can post similar numbers with the Tigers in the next season.
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