Detroit Tigers: These Are Their Five Core Players for 2016

Ian Kinsler

Kinsler tore through American League pitching after the All-Star break slashing .325/.347/.495. He hit eight of his 11 home runs and drove in 34 of his 43 RBI’s during that span.

His defensive metrics are also some of the best among regular second baseman. He tied with Jose Altuve for second in most starts at second base in 2015 and was second in Chances. He was second to Altuve with a 12 Total Zone Rating, again in the range of outstanding for his position.

As to player value, some believe in the statistic WAR and others doubt its value but Kinsler was tied for sixth highest WAR among all American League players at 6.