They also can't afford to have Gonzalez block them from signing someone else. Smith said that Gonzalez still conveys the message that he wants to return to Detroit. That would extend the Tigers past their point of patience, however, forcing them to look elsewhere. They want to know what he plans to do. Free agency isn't the only way the Tigers could improve themselves, though.
Trades are possible.
There already has been a report that the Tigers are interested in Atlanta's Brian Jordan. And probably the largest piece.