The Detroit Tigers made a significant move on Tuesday following the signing of veteran pitcher Alex Cobb to a one-year, $15 million contract. To clear space on their 40-man roster for Cobb, the Tigers designated outfielder Akil Baddoo for assignment. This decision could mark the end of Baddoo’s tenure with the Tigers, a tenure that began with high hopes as a Rule 5 pick.
Baddoo, who was selected by the Tigers in the 2020 Rule 5 draft, initially impressed with flashes of potential. However, his performance over the past three seasons has been a disappointment. With just a .619 OPS in the major leagues during his time with the Tigers, Baddoo has struggled to meet expectations. Last season, he spent a significant portion of the year in Triple-A, where he posted a .238 batting average and a .736 OPS.
The move to designate Baddoo for assignment comes as the Tigers look to make room for Cobb, a right-handed pitcher who joins the rotation in hopes of bolstering the team’s pitching staff. For Baddoo, the road ahead is uncertain. If he clears waivers, he could be outrighted to the minors or potentially claimed by another team in need of outfield depth.
Baddoo’s time with the Tigers has been a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by prolonged struggles. The next few days could determine his future in Detroit or elsewhere, as the Tigers look to reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
