Tigers and Zach McKinstry agree to one-year deal, avoid arbitration

McKinstry, a left-handed center infielder who can also play third base and outfield, helped spark the Tigers’ late-season success. He was batting below .200 through Aug. 23, but over his last 30 games, in which the Tigers went 21-9, he slashed .273/.338/.394 with a .732 OPS.

He also hit 3-for-7 home runs in five playoff games.

The Central Michigan shortstop turns 30 on April 29 and has no chance of playing in the minor leagues.

The deadline for arbitration-eligible players to submit contracts is Friday at 8:00 p.m. With McKinstry on the Tigers’ roster, there are still eight eligible players left: pitchers Tarik Skubal, Jason Foley, Casey Mize, Will West and Beau Briske, catcher Jake Rogers, and relievers Matt Vierling and Andy Ibanez.

Two other players, pitcher Alex Lange and outfielder Akil Baddu, are not eligible for arbitration, but it is possible that both could be non-tendered.