The Detroit Tigers have signed veteran outfielder Ben Gamel to a minor league contract following his release from the Houston Astros. Gamel, 32, was let go by the Astros after failing to make the team for Opening Day. He had previously played 20 games for Houston last season and re-signed with the team on a one-year deal that included a $200,000 signing bonus and a $1 million salary if he made the roster.
Gamel, who has played for eight different teams during his nine-year MLB career, is a reliable bench player with a .252/.334/.382 career batting line over 723 games. The Tigers are in need of outfield depth after several injuries during spring training, including the move of Parker Meadows to the 60-day injured list. To address these issues, the Tigers also signed Manuel Margot to a Major League contract and have other options like Matt Vierling and Wenceel Pérez also sidelined.
While Gamel’s signing is a depth move, he provides the Tigers with an experienced option who could be called up if needed, though he is unlikely to make the opening roster as he is not on the 40-man roster. The Tigers are hoping that Gamel can help fill in as a reliable outfield backup in case of further injuries.
