As the Detroit Tigers look to rebuild their roster for contention in the American League Central, they've non-tendered two players who were once thought of as important building blocks: OF Austin Meadows and pitcher Spencer Turnbull.
Both players will become free agents.
MLBTradeRumors had more on the surprising decision with Turnbull. The 31-year-old Alabama native once threw a no-hitter for Detroit but has battled injury since 2021. He went 1-4 this season with a 7.26 ERA.
... it’s worth noting that reports from earlier in the season indicated that the relationship between Turnbull and the Tigers began to fray this year after the Tigers attempted to option the right-hander to Triple-A early in the season, prompting Turnbull to disclose neck discomfort that ultimately resulted in him being placed on the injured list instead. The Tigers ultimately activated Turnbull from the injured list and optioned him to the minors in August, just six days before he would reach five years of MLB service time. The move ultimately delayed Turnbull’s free agency from after the 2024 campaign until after the 2025 campaign. Given the frayed relationship between club and player, it’s more understandable that the sides have decided to part ways.
As for Meadows, the decision to non-tender him is understandable. He would have been owed more than $4 million in arbitration.
An All-Star in 2019, Meadows has barely played in the last two years, appearing in just 42 games total in 2022 and 2023. The six-year veteran of the Pirates, Rays and Tigers is a lifetime .259 hitter with 70 home runs and 238 RBI.
He's dealt with vertigo and anxiety in the last two years. If he's ready to play in 2024, he should have a host of suitors.
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