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Detroit Tigers: Potential 40-Man Roster Losses

By Ben Rosener

Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) celebrates with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) celebrates with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Position Players

Detroit Tigers
Apr 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) is out at second base as Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first base during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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