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Detroit Tigers: Assessing Team’s Center Field Options

By Ben Rosener

Aug 5, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (left) left fielder Tyler Collins (center) and right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrate after the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Detroit won 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (left) left fielder Tyler Collins (center) and right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrate after the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Detroit won 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off Miami Marlins relief pitcher Bryan Morris (57) during the ninth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Gose

Age: 26
Bats: Left-Handed

It’s probably safe to say that Anthony Gose struggled at the plate in his fifth season in the Majors.

The outfielder batted just .209 in 30 games for Detroit, posting a sub-par .287 on-base percentage along the way. In addition, the speedy outfielder didn’t steal any bases, while crossing home just 11 times.

All told, Gose two home runs, two triples and two doubles. Despite hitting in a potent Tigers lineup, the veteran collected just seven RBI.

The former top prospect would go onto appear in 90 games split between Triple-A and Double-A following a demotion from the Majors.

Over those contests, he hit just .224 with a .301 on-base percentage and 21 extra-base hits.

Why He’ll Start in Center Field for the Detroit Tigers

Outside of Jones, Gose is Detroit’s best internal option in terms of adding much-needed speed to the lineup.

The 26-year-old previously swiped 23 bases for the Tigers in 2015, and has stolen at least 70 bases twice in a season in his minor league career.

Like Collins, the fact that he hits from the left side will help add some balance to Detroit’s lineup.

Why He Won’t Start in Center Field for the Detroit Tigers

Despite the speed and some quietly solid defense last year (1.3 UZR, 7.0 UZR/150), Gose simply struggled at the plate.

A return to the form he showed in 2015, when he hit .254 with a .321 on-base percentage, could help him carve out more at-bats.

After an offseason that could conceivably see one or more of J.D. Martinez, Ian Kinsler or Victor Martinez dealt, Detroit can’t afford to field a .200 batter anywhere in the team’s lineup. They’ll potentially be losing enough fire power as it is.

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