Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down All 22 Non-Roster Invitees

Catchers

Miguel Gonzalez
Age: 26
Hits: Right-Handed

Gonzalez previously got into five games with the Chicago White Sox in 2013, collecting a pair of hits in nine at-bats.

While he didn’t stick in the Windy City over the long term, the backstop has provided solid catching depth for the Detroit Tigers.

In 69 games played, the catcher hit .242 with a .638 OPS in 2015. That season saw Gonzalez suit up for both Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.

During the 2016 campaign, the former White Sox player played exclusively for the Mud Hens. He hit .43 with a .625 OPS for the minor league affiliate.

Gonzalez also showed his value on defense, throwing out 40% of would-be base stealers for Lloyd McClendon’s club.

Austin Green
Age: 26
Hits: Right-Handed

The right-handed swinging Green wrapped up his second season at Double-A Erie in 206, registering 27 RBI, 17 runs scored, nine doubles and four home runs in 53 games played.

All told in 281 career minor league games, the San Diego product is a .255 hitter with 119 RBI, 95 runs scored, 46 doubles, 24 home runs and five triples in four seasons.

He threw out 23% of base stealers last season, well below his career average of 31%.

Grayson Greiner
Age: 24
Hits: Right-Handed

The Detroit Tigers have done a solid job of producing catchers in recent memory, with Alex Avila and James McCann both making an impact at the Major League level.

Grayson Greiner could be the next backstop to come out of Detroit’s farm system.

The 24-year-old hit .293 with 25 extra-base hits over three minor league stops last season. After ending the season with Toledo, there’s a real chance Greiner could make his Major League debut in the coming years.

He’d probably be a candidate to back up McCann in 2017 if it weren’t for the presence of Avila and James Hicks.

Long term, the 6’6” Greiner could end up being a fixture on Detroit’s bench.