Detroit Tigers: Five Best Transactions of 2016

Acquiring Erick Aybar from Atlanta

Detroit Tigers fans saw catcher and free agent signing Jarrod Saltalamacchia contribute some clutch hits during the 2016 campaign.

While Saltalamacchia’s offensive contributions provided a boost off the bench, Mike Aviles struggled early in the season.

A fellow free agent signing, the veteran utility man was brought in to add pop and defensive flexibility to the bench.

In 68 games, the veteran logged .060 ISO while turning in a -1.4 WAR. All told, his wRC+ finished at 41.

With the Tigers in contention for a playoff spot down the stretch, Avila made a move to improve the bench, dealing Aviles and catching prospect Kade Scivicque to Atlanta for infielder Erick Aybar.

A former All-Star with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the 32-year-old hit .250 with eight RBI, seven runs scored, five doubles and a home run in 80 at-bats.

The veteran also provided Brad Ausmus with a solid on-base threat, notching a .341 on-base percentage in 29 games played.

Aybar also posted an 88 wRC+ and a .100 ISO while playing second base, shortstop and third base.

While Detroit had to give up Scivicque to bring in the 32-year-old, Aybar provided the Tigers with exactly what the team was looking for—a bench upgrade.