Santiago is one of three utility infielders on the Tigers roster currently, sharing time in that spot with Neifi Perez and Omar Infante. He played in 43 games last season for the Tigers, his first back with the club after spending a couple seasons with the Mariners, and should primarily be used as a defensive replacement if needed.
I don't mind this signing, but is there a need for the three utility guys?
Here are Santiago's career numbers:
Age Avg OBP OPS FPCT
27 .227 .292 .590 .973
Now let's look at Perez:
Age Avg OBP OPS FPCT
33 .268 .298 .674 .979
And Here's Infante:
Age Avg OBP OPS FPCT
24 .251 .297 .686 .973
Perez and Santiago are now both signed for next season, with Omar Infante being eligible for salary arbitration. He is yet to be signed.
So, the Tigers have a choice to make for their bench spots next season. Infante is the youngest and perhaps has the biggest upside of the 3. Neifi Perez is owed $2.5 million next season. I personally hope that we see Infante get time with the big club next season, and if that means the Tigers will have to eat the 2.5 million, so be it.