Shin-Soo Choo.jpg

Could the Detroit Tigers be in the running for free-agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo? How much would it cost to sign him?

(AP File Photo)

The Detroit Tigers have trimmed salary from the books in a pair of trades they have made this offseason.

Time will tell whether they are entering an era in which they will be more careful with their finances or whether they are simply reloading the checkbook in an attempt to sign another high-priced free agent.

That answer could come soon.

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News dropped this bomb via his Twitter account Tuesday evening:

The Tigers could use a corner outfielder who hits left-handed. They could use a leadoff hitter with the ability to steal bases. At first glance, Shin-Soo Choo would seem to be a great fit. But there are some questions that should be considered before Tigers fans get on the sign Choo train.

How much would the Tigers have to pay him? Is he worth the money? How would signing him affect their ability to re-sign soon-to-be free agents Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera?

Choo will be pricey for whatever team signs him. The supply of sought-after leadoff hitters shrunk Tuesday night when the New York Yankees signed Jacoby Ellsbury. The price of those leadoff hitters appears to have gone up based on the $153 million the Yankees will pay Ellsbury over seven seasons.

Choo, 31, has reportedly been seeking a long-term deal worth at least $20 million a season. When the offseason began, few believed he would get it. Based on the money Ellsbury just signed for and the way salaries have been trending this offseason, it would be a surprise if he didn't.

Choo hit .285 with 21 home runs, 54 RBIs, 107 runs scored, 20 stolen bases and an .885 OPS in 2013 for the Cincinnati Reds. He is a career .288 hitter with 427 RBIs and 105 stolen bases in 853 games spanning nine seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians and Reds.

His .423 on-base percentage in 2013 was a career high by a good margin. Choo had never walked more than 83 times in a season before drawing 112 walks in 2013. He was also hit by a league-high 26 pitches.

The Tigers trimmed some salary from the books in a pair of offseason trades. Last month, they sent first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler. On Monday, they traded Doug Fister to the Washington Nationals for Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Krol and Robbie Ray.

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