Three Tigers Hitters Detroit Should Move on From This Offseason

Hitting is the key to winning in baseball, especially as the colder months arrive. Pitchers seem to thrive in the cool October weather, and it is the clutch hits that separate the best teams from the good teams and the good teams from the bad teams.

For the Detroit Tigers, the offense struggled to consistently string together the wins needed to make the postseason. Unfortunately, the Tigers battled injuries and inconsistent play, forcing their hand toward a youth movement as they set themselves up for the future rather than focusing solely on this season.

Even with the sporadic hitting, there are still three Tigers hitters who I believe Detroit should move on from this offseason.

Regardless of pay, contract status or anything else, I believe these three players' time in Detroit should be all but done.

Báez was riddled with injuries for almost the entire season, recording just 181 at-bats. He finished with a .241 batting average and career lows in home runs (3), RBIs (20) and stolen bases (1). He also recorded his fewest hits in a season since his rookie year.

Báez is owed $24 million in the final year of his contract, but the Tigers need to understand that he is no longer the same player he once was. In fact, he has rarely looked like the player Detroit hoped it was getting since he arrived a few years ago.

Over the last couple of seasons, Báez occasionally reminded everyone why the Tigers invested so much money in him. He came through with some crucial clutch hits and played valuable defense, regardless of where he was placed on the field.

However, those moments are now in the past. With Báez's injuries continuing to be a concern, it is becoming increasingly clear that time is catching up with him. Detroit needs to look toward the future, and moving on from Báez should be part of that process.

The Central Michigan alum has been a fan favorite in Detroit since arriving, thanks to his utility-style play. His game has reminded older fans of players like Don Kelly, who always seemed to do the right thing, whether it was coming through with a clutch hit or making an extra-base play.

That kind of versatility helped McKinstry win over Tigers fans and establish himself as a valuable part of the team. He even earned an All-Star selection last season.

Sadly, McKinstry's production fell off a cliff this year. His speed seemed to fade, his clutch hitting became less consistent, and the utility player who had won over Detroit fans struggled to make the same impact.

McKinstry still finished as a Gold Glove finalist at the utility position, showing that his defensive abilities remain valuable. However, with his offensive production falling off, the Tigers need to consider whether his spot on the roster would be better served by a younger player.

Detroit is trying to build for the future, and that means making difficult decisions about established players. As valuable as McKinstry has been at times, I believe it is time for the Tigers to move on.

Another player who battled injuries last season was Matt Vierling. He finished with just a .207 batting average and never seemed to find the health or consistency needed to build momentum.

Now, the Tigers face a decision about whether to keep Vierling around. While his offensive production would suggest moving on, his ability to play multiple positions remains something that manager A.J. Hinch and the organization value.

The Tigers like having utility players who can match up against different pitchers and provide defensive flexibility across multiple positions. That is exactly what Vierling brings to the table.

However, that versatility also comes with injury concerns and diminishing offensive production. When a player struggles to stay healthy and contribute consistently at the plate, his value becomes harder to justify, even if he can fill several roles defensively.

The Tigers need to determine whether Vierling remains the best option for that role or whether it is time to give another young player an opportunity.

Ultimately, I believe Detroit should do what is best for the organization and move on from Vierling. The Tigers have an opportunity to continue their youth movement, give their prospects more opportunities and find out which players can become part of the team's long-term plans.

Moving on from established players is never easy, especially when they have contributed to the team's success. However, if Detroit wants to take the next step, it needs to make tough decisions and prioritize the future. For me, Báez, McKinstry and Vierling are three players the Tigers should be willing to leave behind as they begin preparing for the next chapter.