Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down Bench Candidates

Detroit Tigers fans haven’t seen many major moves this offseason. As such, the team will likely enter 2017 with a similar lineup. Here are the options off the bench.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has so far made just one trade this offseason.

Despite employing quality trade chips like Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez and Francisco Rodriguez, Avila largely stood pat.

Instead of dealing away quality players, the general manager has focused more on adding depth.

With players like Omar Infante, Brendan Ryan and A.J. Achter joining the organization, Detroit has done well to restock the team’s affiliates in the upper minors.

The only trade the Tigers have been involved in has been the deal involving Cameron Maybin. Maybin was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for intriguing pitching prospect Victor Alcantara.

Outside of losing the former first-round draft pick, the team also let veterans Casey McGehee, Erick Aybar and Jarrod Saltalamacchia walk in free agency.

While all of this adds up to the lineup looking extremely similar, the Tigers will have to retool the team’s bench.

Alex Avila, so far the only Major League free agent signed by Detroit, is likely to fill one slot as James McCann’s deputy. However, outside of the catcher, there is little certainty.

Here is a look at the Detroit Tigers bench options heading into the 2017 season.