Tigers tender offers to all six eligible players

DETROIT — The Tigers’ quest to pare back payroll below luxury-tax levels did not affect their arbitration decisions. All six arbitration-eligible Tigers — shortstop Jose Iglesias, third baseman Nick Castellanos, utility man Andrew Romine and relievers Justin Wilson, Alex Wilson and Bruce Rondon — were tendered contracts for 2017.

Most of the decisions were fairly easy. While Rondon and the two Wilsons were significant setup pieces in the Tigers’ bullpen, Castellanos and Iglesias formed an improving left side of the Detroit infield. The one player with any hint of suspense was Romine, who played every position but catcher in 2016 as a super utility player. MLB Trade Rumors projects him to make around $1.2 million in arbitration in 2017.

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Romine has spent three seasons in Detroit, which acquired him from the Angels in a Spring Training trade in 2014, following Iglesias’ season-ending injury in camp. Romine ended that season getting the bulk of the playing time at short, then transitioned to a utility role once Iglesias returned to action in 2015.

Romine’s role …

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