Detroit Tigers Option Wynton Bernard—What it Means

In yet another move that caused some mild surprise, the Detroit Tigers sent center fielder Wynton Bernard to Triple-A Toledo.

The Detroit Tigers continue to make roster moves. After the somewhat-surprising release of Bobby Parnell (you know, given the depleted bullpen), Detroit made another somewhat-surprising move. Detroit sent center fielder Wynton Bernard to Triple-A on Tuesday.

The Tigers announced the move on Twitter.

Coming into Spring Training, Bernard was a dark horse candidate to make the team due to his speed and on-base skills. The 25-year-old has the ability to change games on the base paths with his blistering pace. During his two seasons in the Detroit minor league system, Bernard has stolen 88 basses in 266 games.

While some speed merchants struggle to get on base and are often relegated to pinch-running duties, Bernard has excelled in terms of getting on to run. The outfielder has hit .323 and .301 in his last two seasons, posting on-base percentages of .394 and .352 over the same period. What’s more, he can also utilize the bunt, with 23 sacrifice hits since 2014.

Bernard’s speed also allows him to cover significant ground in center field, making him a plus option on defense.

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With Cameron Maybin sidelined into April with a broken wrist, Bernard was viewed by many as a candidate to platoon with Anthony Gose in center field. At the very least, the prospect had a puncher’s chance at winning the starting job outright.

Things obviously didn’t work out, at least for now. Despite tying with Tyler Collins for the lead in games played in Spring Training—at least through Tuesday—Bernard only managed a .212 batting average. Additionally, of his seven hits, none went for extra bases. The outfielder did steal a singular base, but posted a .469 OPS that left a lot to be desired.

Bernard should be the beneficiary of plenty of playing time in the Toledo outfield alongside Steven Moya and potentially JaCoby Jones.

Will Bernard contribute to the Tigers this season?

The obvious answer is yes. Bernard dominated in both Single-A and Double-A, so the step up to Triple-A is clearly deserved. Given his ability to steal bases, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him with the Tigers at some point in 2016.

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Even if it is only for a cup of coffee when rosters expand in September, Bernard can positively impact games and directly impact Detroit’s win total. The outfielder could even sneak onto Detroit’s playoff roster to provide value as a pinch runner and a defensive replacement off the bench.

Think of Bernard has a younger, Quintin Berry with better on-base skills and a higher ceiling from a potential standpoint.

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