Tigers acquire infielder Tyler Nevin in trade with Orioles

With three hours left in 2022, the Detroit Tigers managed to sneak in one more under-the-radar transition.

The club announced at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve they'd acquired right-handed pull-hitting infielder Tyler Nevin from the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations.

Nevin, who will turn 26 May 29 and was a first-round pick in 2015, played in just 64 games with the Orioles over the last two seasons, slashing .205/.312/.604 with three home runs and 19 RBI.

He has been more productive in the minor leagues, hitting .291 with seven homers at Triple-A Norfolk last season. But he hasn't shown, in the short sample, the ability to consistently handle the big-league fastball — 17 for 109 with 32 strikeouts.

His plate discipline has been encouraging. He has a 10.9% walk rate an da 23.6% chase rate against big-league pitching. Also, as a predominantly pull hitter, he could benefit from the new rules that essentially ban defensive shifts.

Nevin, who is the son of former Tiger Phil Nevin, will likely compete for the open third base position in the spring although Tigers president Scott Harris has said he was hoping to bring in a left-handed hitting corner infielder. Interestingly, Nevin also has played corner outfield. In fact, in his brief time in the Dominican Winter League has only played outfield.

Since Harris also has indicated a desire to add a right-handed hitting corner outfielder, Nevin likely will get reps out there, too.

The Tigers designated left-hander Zach Logue for assignment to make room for Nevin on the 40-man roster.