Detroit Tigers Offseason Review: Winners and Losers

Aug 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) is lifted in to the air by second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) after scoring the winning run against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) is lifted in to the air by second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) after scoring the winning run against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers
Jun 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Steven Moya (33) sits in dugout during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Loser: Steven Moya

Had the Detroit Tigers opted for something resembling a rebuild over offseason, Steven Moya probably would have had a shot at winning a starting job heading into 2017.

However, with the same core returning, Moya will have to battle for a reserve role.

The slugging outfielder is out of minor league options. In other words, Detroit can’t send him to the minors without the risk of losing him to another organization.

Considering J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton and Victor Martinez return as starters, it isn’t a guarantee that Moya will make the team’s Opening Day roster.

He shows plenty of upside at the plate, thanks to an impressive .245 ISO and five home runs, four doubles and two triples in just 94 at-bats.

Despite the promise, Moya still strikes out a ton, with 38 punch outs in 31 games last season.

He also isn’t exactly Kevin Kiermaier from a defensive standpoint. In his career, Moya owns a -5 DRS, -5.8 UZR and a -24.8 UZR/150.

Additionally, the 25-year-old has never played a game in center field in his professional career, taking him out of the running for a role in the middle of the outfield.

Next: Detroit's Catching Outlook Behind McCann & Avila

With more versatile outfielders like Mahtook and Collins, who also offer more of an all-around skillset, Moya will certainly have his work cut out for him this spring.

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