Detroit Tigers: Assessing Team’s Center Field Options

Potential Free Agent Fits

Given the Detroit Tigers current goal to shed money, the team is unlikely to sign top free agent options like Ian Desmond or Dexter Fowler. This probably also means players like Jon Jay and Rajai Davis are out of Detroit’s price range.

Still, there’s some potential depth options on the market who could appeal to the Tigers.

Dustin Ackley

The first player selected after Stephen Strasburg in the 2009 draft, Ackley initially showed promise with Seattle as a rookie. In 90 games with the M’s, Ackley hit .273 while posting 36 RBI, 16 doubles, seven triples, six home runs and six stolen bases.

He hasn’t been able to replicate similar numbers since, but could turn things around in Detroit.

Michael Bourn

While he isn’t a threat to post stolen base totals that push 70 anymore, Bourn can still contribute on the base paths. In 113 game split between Arizona and Baltimore, the veteran turned in a 3.0 BsR and 15 steals.

He’d help replace Maybin’s speed in the Motor City.

Austin Jackson

Old friend Austin Jackson could be the perfect fit for the Tigers considering his skillset and past production in Detroit.

The 29-year-old is a prime bounce-back candidate after registering just 18 RB and 14 extra-base hits—not to mention a .661 OPS—in 54 games for the White Sox.

Desmond Jennings

Jennings is an obvious fit in Detroit as a bounce-back candidate given blend of speed and pop.

However, like Gose he’ll need to improve his batting splits. In 65 games for the Rays last season, Jennings batted just .200. His on-base percentage ended up at .281.

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Other potential free agent options include Peter Bourjos, Justin Ruggiano, Drew Stubbs, Sam Fuld, Logan Schafer and former Tiger Alex Presley.