The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their infield depth with the addition of veteran infielder Gio Urshela, as the team officially announced a one-year, $1.5 million deal on Thursday.
Infielder Gio Urshela and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $1.5 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Urshela, 32, should help at third base and can play a variety of positions. And his ability to hit left-handers suited what Detroit has sought this winter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 22, 2024
At 32 years old, Urshela brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Tigers’ roster. Urshela is expected to contribute primarily at third base but can seamlessly transition to various positions across the infield.
One aspect that caught the Tigers’ attention was Urshela’s proficiency against left-handed pitchers, boasting an impressive career batting average of .290 in such matchups.
In the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels, Urshela showcased his offensive capabilities, finishing with a solid .299 batting average, two home runs, and 24 RBIs in 62 games.
However, his season took an unexpected turn on June 15 when he suffered a left pelvis injury while trying to beat out a grounder at first base. Despite the setback, the Tigers believe Urshela’s recovery is on track, and his signing adds depth to their lineup.
Last year, Urshela was under an $8.4 million salary with the Angels, marking the final season of his arbitration eligibility.
Throughout his career, spanning 664 games with the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, and the Angels, Urshela has maintained a commendable .277 batting average, accompanied by 64 home runs and 280 RBIs.
