MLB Rumors: Detroit Tigers Will Not Re-Sign Delmon Young

Despite winning the ALCS MVP while helping the Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees, it appears Delmon Young will join a new team for the 2013 season. Young was one of the Tigers key free agents this off-season and is now expendable with designated hitter Victor Martinez returning from injury.

Young won the ALCS MVP for hitting all four game-winning RBI, the first time in MLB history, to help the Tigers sweep the Yankees. The Tigers designated hitter had six RBI in the ALCS, matching the total output of the Yankees. Young hit .313 in all 2012 postseason games, and also had three home runs with nine total RBI.

The Tigers welcome back designated hitter Martinez for the 2013 season. In his only season with the Tigers, Martinez hit .330 with 40 doubles, 178 hits, 103 RBI and 12 home runs. Martinez’s 2011 total for doubles and his batting average were career highs. Martinez is a career .303 hitter.

Despite reaching the 2012 World Series, the Tigers look to improve and win the Championship in 2013. With Martinez returning, the Tigers will have one of the best heart of the lineups in all of MLB. Martinez joins Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder to lead the Tigers offense.

Young was taken with the first overall pick in the 2003 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.  The Tigers designated hitter had a great season for the team in the 2012 season. Young hit .267 in 151 games. The slugger had 18 home runs and 74 RBIs on the season. Young was suspended seven games in the season for aggravated harassment. Young’s court date is scheduled for November 7^th, 2012 on his pending charges related to the harassment.

Young will have no problem finding a new team on the open market. With free agency in full swing, teams will likely wait to see what happens from Young’s court date before they make a play for the designated hitter.