DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced that the club has re-signed infielder Jonathan Schoop to a one-year Major League contract.

Schoop, 29, returns after a productive 2020 campaign with the Tigers, during which he was one of the club’s best players. Over 44 games he slashed .278/.324/.475, with four doubles, eight home runs and 23 RBI, while posting a Major League-leading and career-high .994 fielding percentage. Committing just one error in 174 total chances, he ranked second among American League second basemen with a 2.4 UZR and first in the Major Leagues with a 10.7 UZR/150. Following the season was named a finalist for the AL Gold Glove Award.

“Jonathan made a tremendous impression on us last year, and we’re looking forward to having him back with the ballclub for the 2021 season,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manger. “Not only were we impressed by the on-field results, but also his leadership and relentless desire to be in the lineup day-in and day-out. It’s hard for a one-year free agent to have a real positive impact on a clubhouse’s culture, but he certainly achieved that last season, and we’re looking forward to that continuing.”

"I’m thankful for the opportunity to rejoin the Tigers for the 2021 season,” said Schoop. "We have a really good group here – we started to build something special last year and are going to take it to the next level in 2021. This year I can't wait to experience first-hand the energy that the wonderful Tigers' fans bring to Comerica Park."

"One of the other major factors in coming back to Detroit is the manager and the coaching staff. I’m excited to play for A.J. – he and I have already had great conversations about allowing me to showcase my defensive versatility a bit more this year. And Scott Coolbaugh was my hitting coach in Baltimore during my 2017 All-Star season. He is a great hitting coach and communicator, and knows how much damage I can do at the plate.”

Over his eight years in the Major Leagues, Schoop has batted a combined .259/.297/.450 in 846 games, with 157 doubles, 141 home runs and 415 RBI. One of his best seasons came with Baltimore in 2017 when he was named an All-Star and finished 12th in MVP voting, slashing .293/.338/.503 and establishing career highs in both homers (32) and RBI (105).

To make room on the 40-man roster for Schoop, outfielder Travis Demeritte has been designated for assignment.