Detroit Tigers: Three Free Agent Batters Team Should Sign

Desmond Jennings

Position: Outfielder
2016 Team: Tampa Bay Rays
2016 Stat of Note 0.9 BsR

Desmond Jennings is a talented player with the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. However, 2016 wasn’t exactly his year.

In 65 games with the Rays, the outfielder batted just .200 with 20 RBI, 15 extra-base hits and a .281 on-base percentage.

Should the Tigers sign the former top prospect, it would be as a low-risk, high-reward situation.

In the past, Jennings has certainly showcased the ability to make an impact in the Majors. From 2011 to 2014, he collected a .327 on-base percentage while averaging 114 games played per season.

His other per-season averages over the same span included 110 hits, 69 runs scored, 40 RBI, 22 doubles, 22 stolen bases, 12 home runs and five triples.

Additionally, the former Ray notched a total WAR of 11.8 during the four-year run.

If he can post similar numbers in Detroit, Jennings will be more than worth taking a flier on.

Potential Fit in with the Detroit Tigers

As of now, the Detroit Tigers best options in center field include JaCoby Jones, Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose. Wynton Bernard could also play a part, but that’s about it.

With so many unproven options, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to throw Jennings into the mix as another choice for Ausmus and Avila.

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The longtime Tampa Bay player could also add value as a base runner thanks to a career 21.2 BsR and a lifetime 12.8 UBR.