Detroit Tigers trade Robbie Grossman
With the Detroit Tigers sitting in last place in the American League Central Division, the franchise opted to make a move on Monday evening following their loss to the Minnesota Twins. They sent 32-year-old outfielder Robbie Grossman to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for left-handed pitcher Kris Anglin. The 20-year-old has yet to make his Major League Baseball debut, but with the Tigers clearly out of playoff contention it was a move that the team made with an eye on the future.
Grossman joined the Tigers as a free agent prior to the start of last season, agreeing to a two-year deal worth $10 million per season. Detroit were anxious to try and acquire something for the outfielder before likely losing him for nothing following the conclusion of the current campaign.
“Detroit will always be special to me,” Grossman said Monday following news of the trade, via The Detroit Free Press. “This jersey will always be special to me. The group of guys in this clubhouse, that relationship never leaves. It will always be a special place in my baseball career.”
Grossman hasn’t had the most prolific season this year, batting just .205 with two home runs, 23 RBIs, 38 walks and 90 strikeouts in 83 games (272 at-bats). However, he does provide the Braves with another veteran presence as they continue their pursuit of a National League East division title.
“I’m exited to get a new start and do whatever I can to help the team win,” Grossman continued. “I had a blast playing for the Tigers. It didn’t end how I wanted it to, but that’s part of this business. I’m onto the next chapter in my baseball career.”
Despite his struggles at the plate this season, he is still one of the most reliable outfielders in the game and can play both left and right field.
“I’m really happy for him,” Tigers catcher Tucker Barnhart insisted. “He’s going to a team that’s in the playoff race. That’s where we all want to be. We want to be in situations where you’re playing meaningful baseball down the stretch…I love the way he goes about his day. He’s the same guy every day, no matter if he’s going good or going bad. That’s the highest level of compliment you can get as a baseball player, as an athlete.”
Grossman was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2008 MLB Draft, being selected in the sixth round. He was traded to the Houston Astros though before even playing for the Pirates and spent time with the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics as well, before arriving in Detroit with the Tigers.
“It’s always a weird feeling to be traded,” Grossman admitted. “I’ll miss this group of guys. I’ll miss the coaching staff. I’ll miss the people in Detroit, the stadium. It’s part of this business, and I’m looking forward to my next chapter.”
It remains to be seen if Anglin can be a contributor for the Tigers in the future, but the move was one that made sense for both organizations.
