Detroit Tigers: Six Players Who Could Improve Infield for Present, Future

May 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates with second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) and shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Phillies win 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) celebrates with second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) and shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Phillies win 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) celebrates with center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) after they scored during the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Giants, 13-8. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) celebrates with center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) after they scored during the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Giants, 13-8. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Cesar Hernandez

Age: 26
Positions: Second Base, Third Base, Shortstop and Center Field
2016 Team: Philadelphia Phillies
2016 WAR: 4.4
Controllable Through: 2020

Cesar Hernandez may be the perfect fit for the Detroit Tigers new position on team building. Detroit is looking for younger, controllable players to help build the team. Hernandez is an ideal addition, not just because he is both young and controllable, but because he can step in right away and keep the team competitive.

In 155 games for the Phillies, the 26-year-old led all Philadelphia positon players with an outstanding 4.4 WAR, while also showing excellent on-base skills. Hernandez registered a .294 batting average and a .371 on-bae percentage.

He also provided value in filling out the stat sheet, with 67 runs scored, 39 RBI, 17 stolen bases, 14 doubles, 11 triples and six home runs. The infielder also provided solid defense at both second base and third base.

He’d give Detroit a long-term replacement for Ian Kinsler, while also providing the team with a key bench cog. Hernandez could step in for Kinsler, Jose Iglesias and Nick Castellanos on a regular bases, allowing Brad Ausmus to keep his starters fresh for the entirety of the season.

The Phillies need a veteran bat capable of anchoring the team’s lineup, so a deal sending J.D. Martinez to Philadelphia for Hernandez and other young pieces works for both parties.