Detroit Tigers: Potential 40-Man Roster Losses

Position Players

Anthony Gose

The 2016 season was a struggle for Anthony Gose. Initially the team’s Opening Day center fielder, the former Blue Jay hit just .209 with a .287 on-base percentage in 30 games. He also managed to strike out twice as many times (38) as he reached base via a hit (19). With just six extra-base hits, seven RBI and no stolen bases, Gose was sent to the minors.

In stints with Toledo and Erie he didn’t fare much better. Gose hit .203 with a .276 on-base percentage in 90 games for the two affiliates. He also struck out 129 times.

While his other minor league numbers—69 runs scored, 40 RBI, 17 stolen bases, 12 doubles, seven home runs and two triples—are encouraging, his time may be up in Detroit. The emergence of Cameron Maybin and the promotion of JaCoby Jones give Detroit two options with higher ceilings moving forward. What’s more, Andrew Romine and Tyler Collins both showed that they could handle the position on a part-time basis.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Hopefully Salty returns, but he’s only listed here as a potential loss because his contract does expire after the season. He’s less of a lock to return then fellow potential free agents Francisco Rodriguez and Cameron Maybin, but the veteran catcher would once again provide Detroit with a veteran power option off the bench.

Saltalamacchia hit .171 with 38 RBI, 30 runs scored, 12 home runs, five doubles and a triple in 92 games. He posted a .284 on-bae percentage and a wRC+ of 69 while providing a number of clutch home runs.

Casey McGehee

Known for his ability to hit for contact, McGehee batted just .228 in 33 games. While he was hurt by a .269 BABIP, the veteran only posted a 33 wRC+. By comparison, Gose (69 wRC+), Mike Aviles (41 wRC+) and Daniel Norris (37 wRC+) had higher numbers in the category.

McGehee’s ability to play the corners is valuable, but Romine can fill the same role with more speed. What’s more, Jones is probably an offensive upgrade at this point where the bench is concerned.

Erick Aybar

Aybar could return in 2017, but like Salty, is here because his contract is up. The infielder showed well in 29 games for the Tigers, providing an upgrade offensively off the bench while filling in at three different positions.

Aybar posted a .341 on-base percentage and a 88 wRC+. If it weren’t for Jose Iglesias’ elite defense, the former Angel would be more likely to stick around and potentially start.

Detroit could end up using the 40-man roster spot elsewhere as Romine, Jones and Dixon Machado can all play shortstop.

Salary-Related

Anibal Sanchez

Getting out from under Sanchez’ contract should be one of Detroit’s top priorities this offseason.

After the emergence of Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd, there may not be room for Sanchez in the rotation. Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann will both be back next season, and the team has other options in the minors.

Buck Farmer, Bell and Jaye could start. Additionally, the team could find value in a buy-low addition to the rotation, like Jesse Hahn or Derek Holland.

Mike Pelfrey

Just as with Sanchez, Pelfrey was forced out of the rotation. If Detroit can move on from his salary, the team will be able to reinvest the money elsewhere.

Of all pitchers with 100 innings pitched, Pelfrey owned the highest WHIP in the Majors.

Mark Lowe

Again, another salary the Tigers could move on from, Lowe pitched to a 7.11 ERA and a 5.66 FIP in 2016. His 4.07 SIERA and .319 BABIP suggest he was better than his initial stats would indicate, however Detroit has other options in relief.

Minor League Relievers

Dustin Molleken

Molleken posted a solid 3.03 FIP in a brief, 8.1 inning cup of coffee with Detroit in 2016. However, he wasn’t recalled when rosters expanded and is 31. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Tigers opt for another reliever.

Warwick Saupold

Saupold allowed 17 hits, eight runs and three walks in just 9.2 innings of work for the Tigers in 2016.

Angel Nesbitt

For good reason, Nesbitt isn’t the first name on this list. However, if team needs a roster spot, it could try and sneak the reliever through waivers. Despite being armed with a blazing fastball, the reliever pitched to a 4.91 ERA at three minor league stops in 2016. That included a 1.72 WHIP, 11.9 hits allowed per nine innings, 3.6 walks per nine innings and just 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

Joe Mantiply

Just with Nesbitt, Mantiply could be designated for assignment only in the event that the Tigers are in need of an open 40-man roster spot.

The 25-year-old showed the ability to miss bats at the minor league level with a a career 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings. However, he did struggle at the Major League level with a 16.88 ERA in just 2.2 innings pitched.

Next: Reexamining the Cameron Maybin Trade

Detroit has plenty of other relief options in the upper minors, like Joe Jimenez, Miles Jaye, Chad Bell, Paul Voelker and (when healthy) Drew VerHagen.