:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10766171/162138578.0.jpg)
The Detroit Tigers were considering pursuing Seattle Mariners outfielder Casper Wells earlier this spring. The M's recently designated Wells for assignment, and Jason Beck of MLB.com wonders if the Tigers will look to acquire him now.
More Tigers: Is Detroit Making the Same Mistake Twice?
Seattle opted to enter the regular season with Jason Bay as their final outfielder over Wells. Considering Wells didn't have any minor league options remaining, the Mariners had to designate him for assignment in order to remove him from their roster. He's slated to hit waivers, and they'll only be able to retain him if he goes unclaimed.
Kelly makes the team
The utility player's decision to not opt out of his minor-league deal has been rewarded. He will get a spot on the club's 25-man roster.
This isn't likely to happen, and Beck notes that the Tigers best chance at acquiring Wells will likely be to work out a trade with Seattle. He views the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox -- all teams that will have a higher pecking order in the waiver rankings -- as some of the potential teams that could claim Wells, if for no other reason than keeping the Tigers from addressing an area of need.
Detroit currently has Matt Tuiasosopo as their right-handed-hitting outfielder. He also provides the ability to man the corner infield positions, a skill Detroit covets. However, Beck notes that Don Kelly is capable of filling the same roles, while Wells has the ability to man center field.
Wells spent parts of the 2010-11 seasons with the Tigers. The 28-year-old hit .228/.302/.396 last year and owns a career batting line of .246/.317/.435 over parts of three seasons in the majors.
