Former Los Angeles Angels 0utfielder Torii Hunter has reportedly signed to play for the Detroit Tigers for the next two years. According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the deal is for two years and worth $26 million.
This is what most baseball fans expected. It makes sense for Hunter, who is known to be chasing a championship, to go to a place where he can compete for one. Detroit is a the division many consider the weakest in baseball. They came on strong toward the end of last season and made a nice run in the playoffs. Add in the fact they have arguably the best pitcher (Justin Verlander) and best hitter (Miguel Cabrera ) in baseball, and the motor city is the perfect fit for Hunter.
Hunter will most likely be the everyday right fielder for the Tigers. Austin Jackson is cemented in center field, and even at the age of 37, Hunter is still a huge upgrade over most right fielders in the game. Offensively, Hunter is not the star he once was, but he is a viable option for any team. In 2012, he hit .313 with 16 home runs, 92 RBI and nine steals. That’s production most teams would love to have on their rosters.
Overall, I believe this is a great signing for the Tigers. They are getting a pure gamer whowill give you everything he has whenever he steps on the field. He probably only has a few years of baseball left in his body, so the two-year deal is the perfect length of time to bring him on for. Hunter stayed true to his word and signed with a team early on in the free agency period. Hopefully, he signed on with the right team to get him that championship he desires.
