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

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Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) and relief pitcher Dustin Molleken (50) celebrate after the game against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Detroit won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

14-12. Logan Kensing, Dustin Molleken and John Hicks

14. Logan Kensing

Kensing initially made Detroit’s Opening Day roster after posting a 2.61 ERA and just one walk in 10.1 innings during Spring Training.

In three games with the Tigers, the former Marlin let in just one run. However, he did allow 10 base runners in 4.2 innings pitched. The 34-year-old spent the rest of the season in Triple-A, where he owned a 3.44 ERA in 49.2 innings pitched.

13. Dustin Molleken

Like Kensing, Molleken was signed to provide extra depth.

Also like Kensing, Molleken posted solid run-prevention numbers in a short with Detroit.

Over four appearances, the minor league veteran posted a 3.03 FIP. Unfortunately, like Kensing, he allowed too many base runners. Molleken was tagged for 13 hits per nine innings and 5.4 walks per nine frames.

12. John Hicks

Despite appearing in just one game, John Hicks ranks eleventh on this list. The catcher registered a double in two at-bats in September, but is mainly ranked this high because of what he could provide in the future.

The 27-year-old former fourth-round pick was claimed on waivers from Minnesota in late April and could be an intriguing long-term piece as James McCann’s backup.

Across three minor league stops in 2016, Hicks hit .310 with 47 RBI, 46 runs scored and 34 extra-base hits. He also added four stolen bases while throwing out 38% of would-be base stealers. He’s controllable for through 2021.

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