Tigers to sign OF Alex Presley to minor-league deal

Detroit – At the start of the day Monday, the Tigers had three outfielders tentatively assigned to Triple-A Toledo: Jason Krizan, Jeff McVaney and minor-league Rule-5 draftee Elvis Rubio.

There were only three outfielders listed on the Double-A Erie roster, as well – Mike Gerber, Conner Harrell and Christin Stewart.

You can see why the club has been busy the last week or so signing outfielders to minor-league deals.

Last week they agreed to terms with minor-league free agent Juan Perez, and on Monday the Tigers did the same with journeyman Alex Presley. Both Perez and Presley are expected to be invited to big-league camp.

Presley, 31, began the season with the Brewers and played 47 games before being designated for assignment. The Tigers signed him and he played in three games.

In seven Major League seasons, Presley has a .253 average, .295 on-base percentage and a .678 OPS. He hit .296 with an .808 OPS at Toledo last year.

He plays all three outfield positions.

The Tigers presently have six outfielders signed to their 40-man roster: Justin Upton, J.D. Martinez, JaCoby Jones, Tyler Collins, Steven Moya and Anthony Gose.

The Tigers have entertained trade offers on both Martinez and Upton – though those conversations have quieted considerably since the Winter Meetings. In addition, Collins, Moya and Gose are out of minor-league options. So if they don’t make the club out of spring training, they would be subject to waivers.

So don’t be surprised if the Tigers continue to add outfielders this offseason.

Twitter @cmccosky