The Pittsburgh Pirates have interest in free-agent Ramon Santiago as a potential everyday shortstop in 2012, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.

Santiago maintained a .685 OPS for the Detroit Tigers over the past three seasons while averaging roughly 100 games played per year. He’s regarded as a sure-handed defender at second base and shortstop. The 32-year-old has become immensely popular with his teammates in Detroit because of his leadership and confident, easygoing demeanor.

Santiago became Detroit’s regular second baseman during the postseason this year, batting .289 with two RBI in 10 games.

The Tigers have a considerable amount of uncertainty with their infield this offseason; the only sure things seem to be that Miguel Cabrera will start at first base and Jhonny Peralta will play shortstop or third.

— Jon Paul Morosi