Josh Harrison is officially a member of the Detroit Tigers after passing his physical. The Tigers announced the move on Saturday, prior to their first Grapefruit League game of Spring Training.
http://gty.im/1047795110
Harrison’s deal is reportedly for 1-year and is worth $2 million.
We have agreed to terms with infielder @jhay_da_man on a one-year Major League contract ➡️ https://t.co/ZugOJ8GL10 pic.twitter.com/0PXDMU4hZy
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 23, 2019
From Detroit Tigers:
“All of us with the Tigers are looking forward to what Josh will bring to our organization this season wearing the Olde English ‘D’,” said Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Al Avila. “We’re extremely excited to have Josh join our ballclub and compete as a member of our team, bringing the same intensity and excitement that he’s become known for around the league. Additionally, we expect his off-field leadership and clubhouse presence will be significant, which is an area we place great importance on.”
Harrison, 31, played in 97 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018, hitting .250/.293/.363 with 41 runs scored, 13 doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and 37 RBI. Harrison excelled in clutch situations, batting .361 (48×133) with runners on base, which ranked second in the National League (min. 100 at-bats), while he hit .333 (23×69) with runners in scoring position, which was ninth in the NL (min. 60 at-bats).
A National League All-Star selection in 2014 and 2017, Harrison has played all eight of his Major League seasons with the Pirates, batting .277/.317/.408 with 363 runs scored, 154 doubles, 27 triples, 52 home runs, and 269 RBI in 842 games. He finished ninth in voting for the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 2014, hitting .315 (164×520), which ranked second in the NL. Harrison was also a member of Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, helping the United States to the Gold Medal.
Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the sixth round of the June 2008 draft, Harrison played collegiately at the University of Cincinnati, where he was named the Big East Co-Player of the Year and earned second-team All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball in 2008. Harrison was elected to the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2015.
In a corresponding move, the Tigers waived infielder/pitcher Kaleb Cowart, who was immediately claimed by his former team (four seasons), the Los Angeles Angels.
Cowart was claimed by the Tigers on Jan. 24 after he was placed on waivers by the Seattle Mariners.
