Detroit Tigers DFA Former All-Star

The Detroit Tigers are, once again, going nowhere this season, and the prospect of continuing to play an 11-year veteran hitting just .213 with a .550 OPS while young prospects waited for their time was something the team just wasn't willing to take on any longer. With that, former All-Star infielder Jonathan Schoop has been designated for assignment. 

Infielder Jonathan Schoop has been designated for assignment by the #Tigers, per source.

The 11-year MLB veteran, owed about $3.47 million for the remainder of the season, hit .213 with a .550 OPS in 55 games.

— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) July 8, 2023

"You never love having that conversation. But we made the decision to move on from him and give opportunity to other people, said manager AJ Hinch, while adding that Schoop took the news "like a true pro."

A great clubhouse guy, Schoop will be missed in Detroit.

But, to his credit, Schoop never moped, at least not publicly. He kept working. He was forever positive. Always a good teammate. He'll be missed in the clubhouse, for sure. Really hope a change of scenery will be the tonic for him. https://t.co/SasGNAQJKN

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) July 8, 2023

Schoop was completing a 2-year, $15M contract this season, but the Tigers will eat about $3.4M to send the 31-year-old into the free agent market.

Schoop is only two years removed from a season in which he hit .278 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs in 156 games as the everyday second baseman in Detroit. There should be a team or two willing to give him another shot. However, the veteran hasn't hit a home run since Sept. 23rd, 2022. In 151 plate appearances this season, mostly as a utilityman, he has 0 HR and 7 RBIs, with an OPS+ of 56 (44% worse than the average major league hitter). 

Photo: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports