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Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down Mikie Mahtook Acquisition, Potential Impact

By Ben Rosener

Jul 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Mikie Mahtook (27) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a run during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Mikie Mahtook (27) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a run during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Offense

Career OPS: .685
Career wRC+: 87
Total WAR: 1.0

A former top prospect, Mikie Mahtook was drafted by the Rays with the 31st-overall pick of the 2011 draft.

The first-round pick showed a blend of pop, speed and on-base skills early in his minor league career.

During the 2012 campaign in stops at Advanced-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery, the outfielder batted .277 with a .342 on-base percentage and a .415 slugging percentage.

He also added 62 RBI, 61 runs scored, 25 doubles, 23 stolen bases, nine home runs and eight triples.

A first-round pick is obviously expected to produce in the lower minors, but Mahtook has continued to provide solid offensive production at each stop.

In 2014 with Triple-A Durham, the 27-year-old played in 132 games and tallied 68 RBI, 56 runs scored, 33 doubles, 18 stolen bases, 12 home runs and six triples.

All told, he is a .277 hitter at the minors’ highest level. The ex-Rays prospect also owns a .762 OPS, 120 RBI and 107 runs scored in 257 Triple-A games.

Major League Debut

In 2015, the outfielder made his Major League debut and was largely impressive in a 41-game stint.

Mahtook hit .295 with a .970 OPS, a 167 wRC+, 22 runs scored, 19 RBI, nine home runs, five doubles, four stolen bases, a triple and a 1.8 WAR.

2016 Season

While the 27-year-old impressed in his first season, 2016 was more of a struggle at the plate. His batting average dropped .100 points to .195, while his OPS fell to .523.

Additionally, the player’s wRC+ (39) and WAR (-0.8) numbers checked in well below his previous stats.

Potential Impact with the Detroit Tigers

Considering JaCoby Jones’ still-developing game and the fact that Tyler Collins is better suited for the corners, Mahtook gives Detroit an all-around bat in the middle of the outfield.

He may not have the same raw power that Jones does, but the fellow LSU product should produce in a number of different offensive categories for the Tigers.

Given a full season’s worth of at-bats, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mahtook post double digits in home runs, doubles and steals.

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