Detroit Tigers Offseason Review: Winners and Losers

Winner: JaCoby Jones

JaCoby Jones’ role on the 2017 Detroit Tigers team remains to be seen.

However, the promising young player will have a shot to make the Tigers Opening Day roster.

With Cameron Maybin now in Anaheim and Anthony Gose having been designated for assignment, there’s significantly less competition for Jones.

Detroit did acquire Mikie Mahtook from Tampa Bay, and Tyler Collins is still around. However, it is much more of an open competition heading into 2017.

Had Maybin stayed, it would have been his job after a stellar 2016 campaign which included a 2.0 WAR, a .383 on-base percentage and a 120 wRC+ in just 94 games played.

Whether JaCoby Jones makes the team out Spring Training remains to be seen, but he has a shot.

Blocked by Nick Castellanos and Jose Iglesias at third base and shortstop, the prospect started seeing time in the outfield.

He’s now likely Detroit’s center fielder of the future, with the upside to be a plus defender.

When Jones takes over the role, he’ll eventually bring an intriguing blend of speed and power.

The 24-year-old has raw power to go along with the ability to reach double digits in stolen bases.

It isn’t hard to envision him as a 20-20 candidate down the road in terms of home runs and steals.