Detroit Tigers: Minor League Signings Most Likely to Contribute in 2017

Position Players

Omar Infante

Similar to Andrew Romine, Infante can provide added depth at multiple positions across the diamond. If he can make Detroit’s Opening Day roster, the 15-year veteran has a chance to contribute.

Should Infante post similar numbers to the ones he turned in as a member of the Tigers from 2012 to 2013, the team will benefit greatly.

Argenis Diaz and Gustavo Nunez

Diaz and Nunez weren’t invited to Major League Spring Training. However, they could contribute as the season progresses.

In terms of backups to Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler, the Tigers really only have Romine, Infante and Dixon Machado waiting in the wings.

Should injuries or a trade of either Iglesias or Kinsler occur, Detroit will be forced to dig into the team’s depth.

Diaz previously appeared in 22 games for the Pirates in 2010, while Nunez hit at least .276 while reaching double-digit steals in each of the last three minor league seasons.

Miguel Gonzalez

Similar to the situation in the middle infield, the Tigers don’t have the most depth in the world where catchers are concerned.

If the season started today, John Hicks would be James McCann’s top backup. Detroit’s third-string catcher, and starter in Toledo, would likely be prospect Grayson Greiner.

As it stands, Greiner has played a grand total of one game above Double-A in his career. Because of this, Gonzalez might be better suited to join the Tigers in the event of an injury.

The 26-year-old collected a pair of hits in nine at-bats for the White Sox in 2013, and notched 33 RBI in 66 games for the Mud Hens last season.

What’s more, the 26-year-old also threw out 40% of would-be base stealers for Lloyd McClendon’s team.

Gonzalez could see action in a handful of games if necessary, similar to how Omir Santos appeared in 14 games during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.