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

By Ben Rosener

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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Oct 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik (12) hits a walk-off RBI double against the Chicago Cubs during the thirteenth inning during game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at AT&T Park. The San Francisco Giants won 6-5 in thirteen innings. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik (12) hits a walk-off RBI double against the Chicago Cubs during the thirteenth inning during game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at AT&T Park. The San Francisco Giants won 6-5 in thirteen innings. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Panik

Age: 25
Position: Second Base
2016 Team: San Francisco Giants
2016 WAR: 2.1
Controllable Through: 2020

Like Hernandez, he’s probably only attainable in a larger trade. Sending J.D. Martinez to the Bay Area for a package headline by Panik would certainly make sense for both parties as Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco will hit free agency.

Despite a down season, Panik turned in the fourth-highest WAR among San Francisco position players with a 2.1 number. He also led the Majors with the lowest (8.9) strikeout percentage.

The second baseman hit .239 with a .315 on-base percentage last year. He also chipped in with 62 RBI, 21 doubles, 10 home runs, seven triples and five stolen bases. Panik also registered a .300 wOBA and a wRC+ of 89.

However, he was much more productive from 2014 to 2015, hitting .309 while posting a .364 on-base percentage. His respective wOBA (.317 and .363) and wRC+ (106 and 136) were also much more encouraging over the two-year period.

The Detroit Tigers could acquire him as the centerpiece of a trade involving Martinez and Francisco Rodriguez. The Giants could use another outfield bat of Martinez’ quality.

What’s more, the likes Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez are all slated to hit free agency at the conclusion of the World Series, making Rodriguez a perfect fit.

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