Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down Bench Candidates

Catchers

Alex Avila

Considering the cost-cutting Tigers signed Avila to a reported $2 million contract (according to a tweet from FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman), it doesn’t seem like the team will move on from him so quickly.

That being said, the team does have a number of options who are potential fits as the team’s third catcher.

John Hicks

As of now, Hicks would likely be the top choice for the role of third-string catcher. While it is unlikely that Detroit—or any team—carries three backstops at once, Hicks would likely be a phone call away in Toledo.

Over 93 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, the former fourth-round pick hit .310 with an .838 OPS, 47 RBI, 46 runs scored, 23 doubles, 10 home runs, four stolen bases and a triple in 93 games.

Hicks also threw out 31% of would-be base-stealers at Erie, and 39% of runners at Toledo. At just 27, the Tigers may have found a long-term bench piece.

Miguel Gonzalez

A 26-year-old minor league veteran, Gonzalez appeared in five games with the White Sox in 2013. The backstop batted just .243 last season, but turned in a career-high 33 RBI in 66 games played.

Despite registering just 14 extra-base hits, the former Chicago player threw out 40% of base stealers for Toledo last season. He’ll likely provide extra depth heading into the regular season.

Grayson Greiner

Greiner was drafted in the third round of the 2014 draft and has made steady progress in advancing through Detroit’s minor league system.

The 24-year-old posted a .288 batting average and a .320 on-base percentage while throwing out 44% of potential base stealers for Toledo.

Additionally, the backstop added 30 RBI, 20 runs scored, nine doubles, seven home runs and three doubles in 59 games for Erie.

He made his Triple-A debut late in the season and could conceivably make his Major League debut in the next few years.