DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers catcher Eric Haase is on the market after electing free agency at the conclusion of the regular season.
Haase was claimed by the Cleveland Guardians after the Detroit Tigers placed him on waivers in August. After a short stint with the Guardians, he was waived again and accepted and outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus. He exercised his right to free agency once the season ended.
Haase, a 30-year-old native of the Detroit area, was one of the Tigers’ top hitters in 2021 and 2022 but tailed off dramatically this season before his release. Even so, he is certain to find a job somewhere this winter. The only question is whether he will get a big-league offer with a guaranteed role or will come to camp to compete for a spot on a minor-league contract.
The Tigers are still mulling whether to keep Haase’s replacement. The Tigers hold a $3.5 million contract option for veteran catcher Carson Kelly, who also struggled offensively in 2023.
Several other players who were once in the Tigers organization also elected free agency this week. They are: Infielders Josh Lester (Baltimore Orioles), Brandon Dixon (San Diego Padres) and Taylor Motter (St. Louis Cardinals); outfielder Derek Hill (Washington Nationals); right-handed pitchers Spenser Watkins (Oakland Athletics) and Michael Mariot (Cincinnati Reds); and left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris (Guardians).
Norris, 30, spent most of the year with Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate but did appear in seven games with the big-league club.
Norris pitched in parts of eight seasons for the Tigers, appearing in 153 games, including 79 starts.
He was dealt to the Brewers for pitcher Reese Olson at the deadline in 2021 and then signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs in the offseason. But he battled injuries and struggles and was ultimately released. He re-signed with the Tigers on a minor-league deal and rejoined the big-league club after a couple of weeks at Triple-A Toledo, finishing the 2022 season with a 3.45 ERA in 28 2/3 innings, walking eight and striking out 23.
Norris agreed to a minor-league contract with the Reds this winter but didn’t last long. He was released at the end of spring training and quickly signed a new minor-league deal with the Guardians.
Hill, 27, got 50 plate appearances with the Nats but spent most of the year with Triple-A Rochester.
Hill was selected by the Tigers in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2014 draft. Known for his blazing speed and exceptional defense, he made his MLB debut in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and played in spurts love the next two seasons.
Hill was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners after being designated for assignment by the Tigers last summer. He spent the remainder of the season with the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate and then signed a minor-league contract with Washington last November.