The Detroit Tigers made a notable roster move on Wednesday as they try to rebound from a disappointing first half (39-50 record) of the 2023 Major League Baseball season.
One week after designating Jonathan Schoop for assignment, the Tigers have released the veteran infielder, according to MLB’s transactions page.
Schoop—who turns 32 in October—signed a two-year, $15 million contract extension with Detroit during the 2021 season.
While Schoop is one of three players from Curaçao to reach 1,000 major league hits, a feat he accomplished in 2022, he’s struggled mightily over the past two seasons. Schoop struggled in 2022 with Detroit (.202/.239/.322 slash line; 1.5 wins above replacement per FanGraphs) the Tigers had hopes that perhaps he could show glimpses of his form a season prior and be a more than viable utility infielder for the ballclub. But, Schoop had the same struggles in 2023, slashing (.213/.278/.272) with zero home runs, seven RBIs and a wRC+ of 56—the league average is 100. With zero offense to provide, Schoop’s value is in his defense and his contract was a little rich for Detroit, given his value offensively had diminished.
Jonathan Schoop believes in offense AND defense! #DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/MMxkSMz6hm
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) August 5, 2021
Schoop was named an All-Star in 2017, slashing (.293/.338/.503) with 32 home runs, 105 RBIs, and wRC+ of 125 and 4.5 WAR per FanGraphs. That’s when he was with the Baltimore Orioles where he spent 2013-18 and was later traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Schoop also spent a year in Minnesota with the Twins before spending his last four seasons in Detroit.
It will be interesting to see if Schoop gets another major-league opportunity, but the end of his career may be coming soon.
