Detroit Tigers Fire Sale Candidates

Jun 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Rajai Davis (20) runs home plate after a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. The Tigers won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Rajai Davis 

One player that is not mentioned a lot when considering the scores of Detroit Tigers’ free agents this off-season is Rajai Davis. Should the team decide to part with Yoenis Cespedes, they might have pause before dealing another one of their outfielders, but the Tigers have depth at that position as was seen on Thursday when Xavier Avery opted out of his contract because he couldn’t crack the 40-man roster.

Motor City Bengals

Davis’ playing time has been greatly reduced in Year 2 with Detroit after the club brought over his former Blue Jays’ teammate Anthony Gose in a trade prior to this year.

The Tigers seem a little more comfortable with Davis in center these days while Gose continues to tank after an incredibly hot start. Davis will bring a new team speed, decent defense (if he is shifted back to his more comfortable position of left field) and the ability to hit at the top or bottom of any lineup.

Davis has exceeded expectations with the Tigers. This was a bit of an eye-roll when they signed him prior to 2014, but he was good last year (.282/.320/.401) and those numbers are even better in 2015.

I don’t think Davis comes back to Detroit next year unless it is on a one-year deal. They can unload him now and can grab a couple promising minor leaguers in return. If you want him back next year, he will be hitting the open market regardless.

Possible teams for Davis: Astros, Dodgers, Cardinals

Replacement for Davis: Tyler Collins and/or Daniel Fields

Next: Joakim Soria