After testing the free agent market Ramon Santiago has decided to remain in Detroit, re-signing with the Tigers on a two-year contract.
As the Tigers’ utility man Santiago has averaged just 278 plate appearances during the past four years, but depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out he could get an opportunity for more starts as Detroit’s primary second baseman.
His power is limited and despite switch-hitting he’s much weaker versus righties, but Santiago has hit .266 with a .335 on-base percentage since 2008 and is a plus defender at shortstop and second base.
This has been a good market for utility men and moderately productive middle infielders, as Santiago joins Jamey Carroll, Mark Ellis, Clint Barmes, Willie Bloomquist, and John McDonald in securing two-year contracts.
UPDATE: Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com says the deal is worth about $4 million total, so Santiago is being paid more like a utility man than a starter.
