Former Detroit Tigers catcher expected to return to MLB free agency

After the miracle run that got them into the postseason after having virtually no chance in August, the Detroit Tigers are now turning their attention to the offseason.

In the last week of August, the Tigers trailed the Wild Card by 9.5 games and achieved one of their best months in franchise history to reach the playoffs by dispatching the Houston Astros on the way to the ALCS, where their Cinderella History against them came to an end in Cleveland. As they prepare for the offseason this winter, Detroit executives must do so with the knowledge that they may be just a few steps away from repeating the winning streak over an entire regular season and postseason, not just the last month to maintain.

One position the Tigers desperately need to improve, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, is catcher. In 102 games played, Jake Rogers hit just .197 with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. Although Rogers was named a Gold Glove finalist and is more than solid on defense, that doesn’t outweigh the fact that he doesn’t perform well at the plate. As the team looks to improve this offseason, perhaps a player who has already spent time in Detroit could be an option. Ryan Ford of the Detroit Free Press named Carson Kelly as a free agent the team could pursue to upgrade the position after trading him to the Texas Rangers at the deadline in July.

“The former Tiger is one of two catching free agents who will be 30 or younger next season,” Ford wrote. “Kelly posted a .256/.351/.429 slash line from May 1 to July 28 ; only three catchers had a better OPS during that time frame.”

Kelly only played 60 games for the Tigers in 2024, but even in those 60 games he came close to the numbers Rogers put up in 102 games. In the games against Detroit, Kelly had an OPS of .716 while Rogers had an OPS of just .607. Top catcher Dillon Dingler, who played 27 games for the team after Kelly was traded, could also be an option if the team wants to rely on its young talent, but Dingler struggled greatly when given the chance.

Ultimately, Kelly is a proven commodity who is one of the better catchers on the market and is unlikely to get an earth-shattering deal. The Tigers would be wise to explore a possible reunion this winter.