Detroit Tigers: Three Players Who Could Improve Bench

Gordon Beckham INF, Atlanta Braves

A former first-round pick who was previously one of the game’s best young talents, Gordon Beckham can still help a team.

Beckham burst onto the scene with the Chicago White Sox in 2009, hitting .270 with 63 RBI, 28 doubles, 14 home runs, seven stolen bases and a triple in 103 games.

Despite the strong start to his career, the infielder has yet to post similarly strong numbers. From 2010 to 2014, the veteran only hit .241 and averaged 10 home runs and 44 RBI per season.

This eventually led Chicago to deal him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim down the stretch in 2014. Beckham failed to stick in Anaheim, and even returned to the White Sox in 2015 before eventually hitting the open market. Atlanta signed him this past offseason, and the former Angel has responded with some solid numbers in limited action.

In 44 plate appearances, the infielder is hitting .295 with seven walks, six RBI, five runs scored and four doubles. He would give the Tigers some much-needed offensive help backing up Ian Kinsler and Jose Iglesias.

Incumbents Andrew Romine and Mike Aviles haven’t exactly lit the world on fire from an offensive standpoint, making Beckham a fit. What’s more, the current Atlanta player can log innings at second base, shortstop and third base.

At 29, he isn’t part of Atlanta’s future. Additionally, seeing as the Braves have already dealt Jhoulys Chacin for a prospect, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Beckham dealt. Detroit could offer a pitching prospect like Jeff Ferrell, Myles Jaye or Jose Valdez in return.