Detroit Tigers: Ranking All 17 of Al Avila’s 2016 Acquisitions

Detroit Tigers fans saw significant change this season after a disappointing 2015. In total, 17 players were brought in that played for the Tigers this season. Here they are, ranked from 17 to 1.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila recently completed his first full season in charge of the team. After taking over for Dave Dombrowski down the stretch last season, Avila made a number of changes to the team.

While keeping the same core in place, Avila reshaped the rest of the roster, letting a number complimentary pieces leave through free agency and trades.

Rajai Davis, Tom Gorzelanny, Alfredo Simon, Alex Avila, Joe Nathan, Randy Wolf and Josh Zeid all reached free agency, while Guido Knudson was lost on waivers.

The new Detroit general manager then shipped out Ian Krol in the Cameron Maybin deal, while moving on from two relievers in Neftali Feliz and Al Alburquerque.

Kyle Lobstein, Bryan Holaday, Jefry Marte would all move on before Opening Day as well.

In their place, Avila signed Justin Upton and Jordan Zimmermann to substantial contracts. Mark Lowe, Mike Pelfrey, Mike Aviles and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were also brought in via free agency.

The general manager made use of the trade market in order to acquire a pair of bullpen arms in Francisco Rodriguez and Justin Wilson.

While he didn’t make many in-season moves, Avila did bring in a number of players in relatively minor transactions that contributed to the Major League team. Here’s a look at Avila’s top acquisitions from last season. Only players who made it to the Majors with Detroit are on the list.