Scott Harris: No 'Untouchables' on Tigers Roster
Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris offered a nuanced perspective on the team's strategy during the Winter Meetings, emphasizing his commitment to a flexible and open-minded approach to roster management. In an interview with The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen and other reporters, Harris reinforced his belief in the absence of 'untouchables' within the organization, stating, 'I don't believe in untouchables at any level. So anyone in our organization, at any level. It's not a commentary on Tarik specifically. It's a blanket team-building approach.'
This stance reflects a pragmatic strategy, acknowledging the potential for unexpected opportunities and the importance of thorough evaluation. Harris explained, 'I can't do my job without listening. I can't do my job without exploring anything that may or may not have legs. Some are maybe very likely moves, and some are going to be extremely unlikely. But you can't actually fully vet those opportunities unless you are willing to listen. So that's how we're doing it.'
The Tigers' approach to Tarik Skubal, a star left-hander, exemplifies this philosophy. Despite persistent trade rumors, Harris has not ruled out the possibility of a trade before Skubal's free agency eligibility next year. The executive's reluctance to label Skubal as 'untouchable' is strategic, allowing for the exploration of various options and the potential for significant trade offers.
The Tigers' strategy is further complicated by their pursuit of prominent free agents and trade targets, including Alex Bregman, Ranger Suarez, Michael King, Zac Gallen, Kenley Jansen, Pete Fairbanks, and Ketel Marte. The team's most significant offseason acquisition, Drew Anderson's one-year contract, underscores their commitment to a balanced approach. While the Tigers have made notable pursuits, such as their bid for Bregman, fans remain eager for a major target acquisition.
Critics, like The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, argue that Harris' cautious approach may limit the team's ability to capitalize on a potential window of opportunity with Skubal. However, the Tigers have ample time this winter and at the trade deadline to strengthen their roster, and the extent of their aggression in these pursuits remains to be seen.
