DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced that the club has signed outfielder Robbie Grossman to a two-year Major League contract.
The Tigers mark Grossman’s fourth team, following three seasons with Houston (2013-15), three with Minnesota (2016-18) and two with Oakland (2019-20). Over 726 games, the switch-hitter has a career .252/.350/.380 slashline, walking 345 times against 574 strikeouts, while hitting 50 home runs and driving in 254 runs.
“Robbie is a proven Major League hitter and will bring consistent, competitive at-bats to our lineup,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “His name quickly came up when our front office began planning potential offseason additions, and all of us are looking forward to having his veteran presence both on the field and in the clubhouse.”
During the 2020 campaign with Oakland, Grossman knocked 12 doubles and eight home runs over 51 games, helping him to career highs in slugging percentage (.482) and ISO (.241). The 31-year-old also walked 21 times while striking out in just 38 at-bats.
“I’ve been fortunate to play for some great franchises during my career, and I couldn’t be happier to add the Tigers to that list,” said Grossman. “I’ve been in Detroit a number of times as a visiting player, and know how passionate the city and its fans are for Tigers baseball. I’m very excited to get to work with my coaches and teammates, and help bring winning baseball back to the Motor City.”
The San Diego, California, native has established himself as one of the toughest hitters in baseball. Of 46 American League hitters with at least 500 games played since 2016, he ranks fourth in walk rate (13.2%), seventh in strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.46) and 12th in on-base percentage (.359).
As a corresponding move for this signing, outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. has been designated for assignment.
