Based to the team’s transaction record at MLB.com, the Tigers signed catcher Tomas Nido to a minor league contract. Since Nido was included in the Triple-A Toledo MudHens roster today, it seems obvious that the signing is already official. An ACES client, Nido was released by Chicago at the end of August after spending time with the Cubs and Mets earlier in the season. Though he signed a contract that expires in September, he won’t be able to play in the postseason should the Tigers advance, he will provide them with some glove-first depth behind the plate in the last few weeks of the regular season.

The 30-year-old Nido has played in 49 games this season between the Mets and Cubs, but in 140 at-bats, he has only managed a.192/.219/.315 batting line. He’s received high marks as usual for his catcher defense. Nido does a better job of blocking pitches in the dirt than the league average (21%), and his caught-stealing percentage of 23% is higher than average. But for the second consecutive season, he is batting below.200 and has an on-base percentage below.220.

Even though Nido’s bat has deteriorated dramatically over the last two seasons, the Mets may still use him as a very reliable backup. In precisely 500 plate appearances from 2020 to 2022, he hit.236/.275/.338 and finished as one of the best defensive backstops in the game. By wRC+, his performance was almost 28% below that of a league-average hitter over that period, although catchers typically hit lighter than the average major leaguer. Since most catchers are between 10% and 12% below average at the plate, Nido’s deficiencies during that three-year span weren’t as noticeable as they would have been at another position, especially when combined with his defensive contributions.

Prior to the trade deadline, the Tigers lost Carson Kelly to the Rangers, and rookie Dillon Dingler behind the plate and Jake Rogers haven’t really produced much offensively either. Despite this, Rogers is a superb fielder for his position and has hit at least 10 home runs and 15 doubles this season. If either player needs a last-minute trip to the injured list, Nido might get a look, but if not, at the conclusion of the season, he’ll probably be a free agent in the minor leagues.

Detroit Tigers Manager Discusses Up-and-Coming Star’s Increasing Role in Lineup

Parker Meadows, an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, hasn’t had the best season. But in the eyes of manager A.J. Hinch, the effort has paid off.

He discussed his team’s late charge toward a possible American League Wild Card berth on MLB Network earlier this week. The Tigers have a lot of reasons for taking this action.

Meadows is among such.

“His comeback to the center of our team has been amazing,” Hinch remarked.

Meadows, who was added to the Tigers opening day roster and then optioned to Triple-A Toledo on May 7, has had a difficult season. Detroit called him up on July 5 following two months in the minors, and on July 8 he was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right hamstring strain.

On August 3, following a rehab assignment with Toledo, he returned to Detroit.

He’s been a different player ever since.

He hit.322/.359/.552 in August, with two home runs and eight RBI. With three home runs and thirteen RBI, he has extended it into September with a slash line of.268/.323/.500.

Despite how difficult it was for the second-year player, Hinch believed that Meadows’ time in the minor leagues paid immensely.

Hinch spoke about the non-injury assignment, saying, “We sent him out to have a few swing adjustments and approach adjustments.” “He gave it his full attention. Mike Hessman, the hitting instructor for minor league teams, deserves a lot of love and daily coaching from Triple-A (Toledo) to help him regain his confidence and be able to contribute. He has not only made a contribution, but he has also inspired us.

Meadows’ season slash line of.242/.310/.446/.756 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI is an improvement above his 37-game 2023 slash mark of.232/.331/.368/.699 with three home runs and thirteen RBI.

The way Meadows now lines up in an outfield with Matt Vierling and Riley Greene, who are also enjoying excellent seasons, is more significant for the team’s future.

Hinch remarked, “It’s great to have Meadows patrol center field.” “When I go Green, Meadows, and Vierling, it feels like we have three center fielders in the outfield.” It seems as though nothing will materialize.

Meadows’s season took a turn for the better after being assigned to Toledo. It was something he was prepared to take on, and it won Hinch’s confidence and respect. Furthermore, it has strengthened Detroit’s lineup just when it needed it.

Hinch stated, “You need somebody like that to lengthen our lineup. He is a complete player who is starting to emerge.”

On Wednesday, the Tigers and the Kansas City Royals resume their series.