The Detroit Tigers have added depth to their catching corps by signing veteran catcher Tomás Nido to a minor league contract. This move comes as part of the organization’s effort to bolster their depth at the catcher position, especially in light of recent injuries within their ranks. The signing was prompted by the injury to catcher Anthony Bemboom, who was hurt while playing for the Toledo Mud Hens, the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate.
Background on Tomás Nido
Tomás Nido, 29, brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers organization, having spent the majority of his career with the New York Mets. Over seven seasons with the Mets, Nido established himself as a strong defensive catcher, known for his ability to handle pitchers and call games effectively. He also possesses an above-average throwing arm, making him a valuable asset in controlling the running game. Nido has thrown out over 30% of base stealers during his career, which is above the league average.
While Nido’s defense has been his calling card throughout his career, his offense has lagged behind. He has a career batting average of .213, with a modest 13 home runs and 74 RBIs in 293 games. His best offensive season came in 2021 when he hit .241 with three home runs in 58 games. Despite his offensive struggles, Nido’s reputation as a dependable backstop has kept him in the majors for several seasons, and his experience will be an asset to the Tigers’ farm system.
Anthony Bemboom’s Injury and Impact on Tigers’ Depth
Anthony Bemboom’s injury came at an unfortunate time for the Tigers, as the organization had been relying on him to provide veteran leadership and stability at the Triple-A level. Bemboom, who has bounced around several teams in his career, including the Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles, was expected to serve as a mentor to younger players while being a reliable option if the major league team needed catching depth.
Bemboom’s injury, the details of which have not been fully disclosed, left a gap in the Mud Hens’ roster and forced the Tigers to act quickly. The signing of Nido ensures that the Tigers will not be left short-handed at the catcher position in their minor league system, which is especially important as the season progresses and injuries become more common. What Nido Brings to the Table
The addition of Nido provides the Tigers with a proven veteran who can step in and contribute immediately, either at the Triple-A level or, if necessary, with the big-league club. While it is unclear how long Bemboom will be sidelined, Nido’s experience and familiarity with the demands of being a backup catcher at the major league level make him a valuable insurance policy.
Nido also has postseason experience, having been part of the Mets’ playoff run in 2022. That kind of experience can be invaluable for a team looking to develop young players, especially pitchers, who can benefit from working with a seasoned veteran like Nido.
Tigers’ Catching Situation
At the major league level, the Tigers currently have Jake Rogers and Carson Kelly as their primary catchers. Rogers has shown some promise with the bat this season, while Kelly has been more of a defensive specialist. With Nido now in the system, the Tigers have added another layer of depth should one of these players go down with an injury or if further reinforcements are needed as the season progresses.
The Tigers have been focused on building for the future, and part of that process includes having strong organizational depth at every position. While Nido’s signing may not grab headlines, it is an important move for a team that needs reliable catching options in its system.
Conclusion
The Detroit Tigers’ decision to sign Tomás Nido to a minor league deal in response to Anthony Bemboom’s injury reflects the club’s commitment to maintaining depth throughout the organization. Nido’s defensive prowess, experience working with pitchers, and ability to handle the demands of being a backup catcher make him a valuable addition to the Tigers’ system. Whether he stays in the minors or eventually finds his way onto the major league roster, Nido’s presence provides the Tigers with a dependable option behind the plate, ensuring that the team is prepared for any eventualities as the season moves forward.
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