Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down Bench Candidates

Detroit Tigers fans haven’t seen many major moves this offseason. As such, the team will likely enter 2017 with a similar lineup. Here are the options off the bench.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has so far made just one trade this offseason.

Despite employing quality trade chips like Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez and Francisco Rodriguez, Avila largely stood pat.

Instead of dealing away quality players, the general manager has focused more on adding depth.

With players like Omar Infante, Brendan Ryan and A.J. Achter joining the organization, Detroit has done well to restock the team’s affiliates in the upper minors.

The only trade the Tigers have been involved in has been the deal involving Cameron Maybin. Maybin was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for intriguing pitching prospect Victor Alcantara.

Outside of losing the former first-round draft pick, the team also let veterans Casey McGehee, Erick Aybar and Jarrod Saltalamacchia walk in free agency.

While all of this adds up to the lineup looking extremely similar, the Tigers will have to retool the team’s bench.

Alex Avila, so far the only Major League free agent signed by Detroit, is likely to fill one slot as James McCann’s deputy. However, outside of the catcher, there is little certainty.

Here is a look at the Detroit Tigers bench options heading into the 2017 season.

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.

Outfielders

JaCoby Jones

Much of the Detroit Tigers reserve outfield situation will depend on the starting center fielder. That could by any number of players, including JaCoby Jones.

The former Pirates farmhand certainly stands out from an upside standpoint given his rare blend of pop and speed. In just 99 games with Toledo, Jones logged 44 runs scored, 43 RBI, 34 extra-base hits and 13 stolen bases.

Tyler Collins

A corner outfielder by trade, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Collins feature in center field come the 2017 season.

Collins didn’t exactly thrive defensively in center field last season (-4 DRS, -11.4 UZR/150), but his offensive potential could see him earn playing time.

The 26-year-old does shows the upside to hit 20 home runs per season given consistent playing time. That offensive upside could see him vault ahead of the unproven Jones and Anthony Gose.

Anthony Gose

Anthony Gose struggled with the Detroit Tigers in 2016.

After 30 games with the Major League club that saw the former Blue Jay bat just .209 with a .628 OPS, Gose also failed to make much contact in the minors.

Over the span of 379 plate appearances (90 games) split between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, the center fielder hit just .203, including a .185 number with the Mud Hens.

Gose’ speed would bring a different element to Detroit’s roster. However, should the Tigers contend, it is hard to see them routinely starting an outfielder who struggles to get on base.

Steven Moya

The rare Detroit Tigers outfielder who isn’t a center field candidate, Moya would bring intrigue to the bench as a pinch-hitting alternative.

With the ability to obliterate baseballs, Moya has all kinds of offensive upside. However, he is still striking out at a high rate.

Next: Familiar Faces as Potential Free Agent Fits

In limited at-bats, the former top prospect could thrive off the bench given his tendency to hit the ball over the fence.