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

By Ben Rosener

Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) celebrate a victory against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Tigers defeated the Braves 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) celebrate a victory against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Tigers defeated the Braves 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Erick Aybar (15) hits an RBI double in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Erick Aybar

WAR: 0.1

OPS: .691

wRC+: 88

wOBA: .305

ISO: .100

Acquired to provide an upgrade over Aviles and McGehee, Aybar did just that as a utility infielder for the Detroit Tigers.

After coming over from Atlanta, the veteran showed glimpses of the All-Star form he flashed during his days as an everyday starter for Anaheim.

In 29 games for Detroit, Aybar posted a .341 on-base percentage. Had he marinated that number over an entire season, it would have been the second-highest mark in the category of his career. The infielder also added eight RBI, seven runs scored, five doubles and a home run. He struck out 11 times, but also drew 11 walks.

Aybar’s 88 wRC+ was higher than the combined number (74) of the two players he came into provide an upgrade over. The infielder did all this despite being hurt by a .279 BABIP.

In addition to being an upgrade over Aviles and McGehee, Aybar even out-produced regular starter Jose Iglesias in a number of categories, including ISO, wOBA and wRC+. If it weren’t for Iglesias’ elite defense, Aybar may have been the consistent starter down the stretch.

With his contract up after the World Series, it will be interesting to see if the Tigers retain him. He’d be an intriguing bench cog moving forward.

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