Detroit Tigers: Steven Moya Makes Anthony Gose Expendable

2016 Outlook

While Moya showed well, he likely isn’t going to be a full-time starter all season. The Detroit Tigers acquired Cameron Maybin for a reason, to play center field. Once Maybin returns, he’ll take the starting job in center and shift Upton back to left.

However, that doesn’t mean Moya should head back to Toledo.

After destroying Triple-A pitching this season, the towering outfielder doesn’t have a whole lot, if anything, to prove in the minors.

Detroit should keep him around as a bench option.

Moya can serve as the backup to both Upton in left field, and J.D. Martinez in right field. On days when Maybin needs a day off, Moya can start in left while Upton slides over to center. Andrew Romine can also handle center field if need be.

Additionally, Moya would give Ausmus a potentially game-changing pinch hitter thanks to his ability to hit it out of the ball park. Saltalamacchia could have been that pinch hitter, but James McCann’s injury opened the door for more playing time for the former Marlin. Salty has played himself into more at-bats, and won’t strictly be a backup, leaving the bench thin.

Moya would be a significant offensive upgrade over the likes of Gose, Romine, Aviles, and potentially James McCann should Salty start more—which at this point, he probably should.