Detroit Tigers: Best Free Agents to Improve Base Running

Aug 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) is tagged out by Los Angeles Angels catcher Jett Bandy (13) in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) is tagged out by Los Angeles Angels catcher Jett Bandy (13) in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 25, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nori Aoki (8) runs to second before advancing on a ball by Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (not pictured) during the first inning at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nori Aoki (8) runs to second before advancing on a ball by Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (not pictured) during the first inning at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielders Part Two

Nori Aoki
0.7 BsR
3.4 UBR

Aoki isn’t the speed merchant that Davis is, but he may be the best all-around option of the group of outfielders. Since debuting in the Majors with Milwaukee in 2012, the outfielder has never failed to hit below .283 or post an on-base percentage below .349.

As a fourth outfielder and periodic starter, his on-base skills would play well in Detroit’s dynamic offense. What’s more, he’s making a positive contribution on the base paths with a UBR that is approaching Davis’ number in the category.

Per Spotrac, Aoki had a 2017 vesting option once he hit 480 plate appearances. With just 467 trips to the plate to his name last season, he’ll hit the open market.

Jon Jay
3.3 BsR
2.9 UBR

Rounding out the list is Jon Jay, who enjoyed a solid, if injury-shortened season, in San Diego.

Over 90 games he hit .291 with a .339 on-base percentage, 49 runs scored, 26 doubles, 26 RBI, two home runs and two stolen bases.

Despite just the two steals, he made an impact as a runner. Like Aoki, his combination of shrewd base running and on-base skills would work well with the Detroit Tigers as a fourth outfielder.

Next: Jay's San Diego Teammate, Travis Jankowski, Is Also a Fit

At his best as a regular starter in St. Louis, Jay averaged a 2.6 WAR per season from 2011 to the 2014 season.

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