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Detroit Tigers Spring Training Preview: Breaking Down Reserve Catching Options

By Ben Rosener|
Aug 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) makes a throw to first in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) makes a throw to first in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher John Hicks (6) throws to first for an out in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Texas won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher John Hicks (6) throws to first for an out in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Texas won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

John Hicks
Age: 27
Hits: Right-Handed
Major League Experience: 18 Games

A former fourth-round pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2011, Hicks was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins late last April.

Still just 27-years-old, the Detroit Tigers may have found a long-term contributor.

Hicks initially appeared in 14 games with Detroit’s Double-A affiliate in Erie.

In 49 at-bats for the SeaWolves, the right-handed hitter turned in a .388 batting average and a .936 OPS. He also added seven runs scored, four RBI and three extra-base hits.

A promotion to Toledo soon followed.

Overall on the season, Hicks hit .310 with a .358 on-base percentage.

He also slugged .480 while also chipping in with 47 RBI, 46 RBI, 23 doubles, 10 home runs, four stolen bases and a triple.

The former Mariner also threw out 38% of would-be base stealers across all levels.

Serving as Detroit’s third catcher, the backstop appeared in one game for Detroit down the stretch, collecting a double and a run scored in a September 10th loss to Baltimore.

With Avila in town, Hicks seems likely to once again play the role of third catcher for the Tigers.

Austin Green
Age: 26
Hits: Right-Handed
Major League Experience: None

Austin Green will head to Major League Spring Training with Detroit for the third consecutive season in 2017.

The catcher was drafted in the 13th round of the 2013 draft by the Tigers after playing for the University of San Diego.

So far, the 26-year-old has reached Double-A, where he has spent the last two seasons.

Playing for the SeaWolves, the backstop owns a .248 batting average and a .639 OPS.

He’s also added 56 RBI, 42 runs scored, 23 doubles, seven home runs and two triples.

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