Torii Hunter signs a two-year, $26 million deal with the Tigers

It’s not 100% done yet — it’s pending a physical — but Ken Rosenthal reports that the Tigers have signed Torii Hunter to a two-year deal. The deal is for $26 million.

Hunter and the Tigers are a perfect fit.  He can slide right in to right field — or left and can probably still fill in center if something happens to Austin Jackson — and will provide a considerable upgrade on defense while helping solidify a lineup that, beyond Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, could be pitched to last season. You have to assume he’ll bat second behind Jackson and in front of Cabrera, Fielder and Victor Martinez.  He may be a more ideal five or six-hitter though.

Hunter finished last season with the highest average (.313) of his career while driving in 92. He’s 37, of course, so he’s likely to see some falloff. But he still provides a nice upgrade and is widely regarded to be one of the best clubhouse guys in the game.