DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced that the club has signed outfielder Nomar Mazara to a one-year Major League contract.
Mazara, who is 25 years old, spent last season with the White Sox after breaking into the Major Leagues with Texas (2016-19), where he established himself as one of the American League’s best young players. Among lefthanded AL outfielders between 2016-19, Mazara ranked first in RBI (308), fifth in hits (519), sixth in home runs (79) and runs (171), seventh in extra-base hits (181) and eighth in doubles (95). He was one of 10 Major League outfielders to hit at least 19 homers in each of those four seasons, and was the only one to do so before turning 25. Since 2010, only four other players have hit at least 19 home runs in four-or-more seasons before turning 25: Carlos Correa (four seasons, 2015-19), Giancarlo Stanton (five, 2010-14), Mike Trout (five, 2012-16) and Bryce Harper (five, 2012-17).
“Heading through the offseason we were looking to add a lefthanded hitting outfielder to provide A.J. with more options for the lineup, and bringing Nomar onboard does exactly that,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “He’s still a young player, and we believe he’s really going to benefit from working with Scott Coolbaugh, José Cruz Jr. and the rest of our coaching staff, who will help to maximize the potential of his power and overall hitting tools that’s made him successful in years past.”
“This is such an exciting time to join the Tigers organization, and be part of a lineup that has the potential to do some great things,” said Mazara. “After a frustrating 2020 season, I’m looking forward to a fresh start and getting to work with the coaching staff – especially A.J. Hinch, who I always enjoyed competing against during his time in Houston. I’ve come to really appreciate coming to Detroit as a visiting player, and can’t wait to join their baseball community this season.”
The Santo Domingo, DR, native finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting for AL outfielders following his 2016 campaign, over which he batted .266/.320/.419, knocking 13 doubles, three triples and 20 homers. Mazara had continued success during his sophomore season in 2017, establishing career highs in multiple offensive categories, including hits (140), RBI (101), doubles (30), walks (55) and on-base percentage (.323). Over 579 career games, Mazara is batting .258/.318/.426 with 101 doubles, seven triples, 80 homers and 323 RBI.
To make room for the signing, RHP John Schreiber was designated for assignment.
