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Detroit Tigers: Five Non-Tendered Players Who Are Potential Fits

By Ben Rosener

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers vice president Al Avila prior to game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers vice president Al Avila prior to game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 16, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo (7) looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. The Dodgers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo (7) looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. The Dodgers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Name: Welington Castillo
Position: Catcher
2016 WAR: 1.7

Stats of Note

One of the more surprising players to be non-tendered, Welington Castillo would significantly upgrade the Detroit Tigers bench.

In 113 games last season for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the backstop batted .264 with 14 home runs, 68 RBI and 41 runs scored. He also posted a 92 wRC+ and a .319 wOBA en route to a 1.7 WAR.

All told, the former Chicago Cub posted a .322 on-base percentage and a .423 slugging percentage.

Why Castillo is a Fit for the Detroit Tigers

As of now, John Hicks is Detroit’s only viable catching option outside of James McCann. Adding Castillo would give the Tigers an excellent offensive complement to McCann.

Potential Role in Detroit

As a potential bench cog, Castillo brings plenty of ability and upside. Since the beginning of the 2014 campaign, the 29-year-old has averaged 57 RBI, 37 runs scored, 19 doubles and 15 home runs per season.

The veteran backstop would also greatly improve the catching outlook behind McCann.

Outside of Hicks, Detroit’s next best catcher is Grayson Greiner. The prospect only reached Triple-A for the first time at the tail end of last season.

Next: Ideal J.D. Martinez Trades to Improve the Tigers

In the event of any Victor Martinez trade, Castillo could bring value by logging at-bats at designated hitter.

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