Feb 28, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder
Wynton Bernard(63) poses during Photo day at Joker Merchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Wynton Bernard, Outfielder
Bernard was going nowhere in the San Diego Padres’ system before the Tigers picked him up for 2014. He was invited to the Tigers big league camp in spring training this year and played the season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.
Bernard totaled 145 hits in 493 at-bats for a .294 average and walked 33 times to give him a .343 OBP. He stole 39 bases on just his speed last season and will improve on that once as he gains professional experience.
He’s younger and has more potential at the plate than Triple-A outfielder Dan Fields and it’s not uncommon anymore for a player to make the jump from Double-A to the Majors. Of these two outfielders on the 40-man roster Bernard should get a chance in September to show what he has to offer.