The Boston Red Sox will go into next season looking for a new third baseman with Pablo Sandoval in San Francisco. One man primed to get the job with the Detroit Tigers is Jose Iglesias.
An industry source has confirmed to the Associated Press that Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski and Iglesias are nearing a deal that would pay Iglesias $140 million over six years. The deal could be completed in the next few days, the source said.
Iglesias, who would likely turn 26 during the first season of the contract, hit .256 with 16 homers and 72 RBIs in a breakout 2016 season. The Tigers value his defense and subtracted Miguel Cabrera from the infield, moving Ian Kinsler to third base. Iglesias produced four multihit games during Detroit’s 14-game win streak, going 5-for-6 with a home run and double.
His best season came in 2015, when he hit .289 with 11 homers and 74 RBIs. He also had 45 doubles and 22 stolen bases. Since signing a minor league contract with the Tigers after the 2013 season, Iglesias has hit .259 with a .291 on-base percentage and a .385 slugging percentage.