Report: Former Pirates Shortstop Jordy Mercer Signs With Detroit Tigers
LAS VEGAS (KDKA) -- Free agent and former Pirates Shortstop Jordy Mercer reportedly has signed with the Detroit Tigers.
Reporter Jon Heyman reported the news from the MLB Winter Meetings in Las Vegas.
"Jordy Mercer has deal with Tigers."
Jordy Mercer has deal with Tigers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2018
"Jordy Mercer gets $5.25M plus 250K incentives #tigers"
Jordy Mercer gets $5.25M plus 250K incentives #tigers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2018
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, former Pirate Manager Jim Leyland had a lot to do with Detroit's interest in Mercer.
"Jim Leyland, who sees a lot of his hometown #Pirates, always has thought highly of new #Tigers shortstop Jordy Mercer -- undoubtedly a key factor in Detroit's decision to sign him. @MLB @MLBNetwork"
Jim Leyland, who sees a lot of his hometown #Pirates, always has thought highly of new #Tigers shortstop Jordy Mercer -- undoubtedly a key factor in Detroit's decision to sign him. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 12, 2018
In seven seasons with the Pirates, the 32-year-old played in over 800 games and held a .256 batting average with 55 home runs and 277 RBI.
The Pirates anticipated that the veteran, who was a consistent defensive shortstop, would be testing the market this offseason.