Detroit Tigers: Anthony Gose in Spring Training as Non-Roster Invitee

Detroit Tigers fans will see a familiar face in Spring Training. According to the latest tweet from MLive’s Evan Woodberry, Anthony Gose will participate in Spring Training with the Tigers.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila overhauled the team’s center field outlook during the offseason.

During a time in which Tigers fans saw many of the team’s prominent players appear in trade rumors, only Cameron Maybin was dealt.

As such, most of the change coming to Detroit will occur in center field.

JaCoby Jones, who now may very well be the future of the position, has a shot at winning the job. Another contender for playing time is Tyler Collins.

Traditionally a corner outfielder, the 26-year-old saw action in 29 games as a center fielder last season.

While he didn’t turn in the best defensive numbers (-4 DRS, -11.4 UZR/150), Collins does bring added pop to the position.

What’s more, he would also add a left-handed bat to Detroit’s predominantly right-handed lineup.

In addition to incumbents Jones and Collins, Avila acquired Mikie Mahtook from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mahtook, a former college teammate of Jones, struggled mightily in 2016.

However, if he can produce at a rate similar to his 2015 stats (.411 wOBA, 167 wRC+, 1.8 WAR in 41 games), the Tigers will benefit greatly.

Now, it seems like another name can be added to the mix.

Joining Detroit’s list of non-roster invitees in Spring Training is outfielder Anthony Gose, who was designated for assignment to make room for Mahtook.

MLive’s Evan Woodbery tweeted the news on Tuesday morning, “Previously DFA’d center fielder Anthony Gose will be in camp for Tigers as non-roster invitee.”

2016 in Review

More from Motor City Bengals

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

In 30 games for Detroit last season, the former Toronto Blue Jay hit .209 with a .287 on-base percentage and a .628 OPS.

Like Collins, he brings a left-handed bat to the Tigers lineup. However, the outfielder struggled last season.

To go along with some low on-base numbers, Gose’s wRC+ finished at 69. He managed just a .277 wOBA and a 0.1 WAR.

The 26-year-old also struck out 38 times in just 101 plate appearances.

Minor League Numbers

Gose also spent time with both Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie, where he finished the season.

Over the course of 90 contests split between the two affiliates, the center fielder batted just .203 with a .588 OPS.

He did collect 40 RBI, 38 runs scored, 21 extra-base this and 17 stolen bases in the minors. However, he also struck out 129 times in 379 plate appearances.

Added Competition

It remains to be seen if Gose will play his way back into the picture for playing time in center field.

Next: VerHagen to Start in Spring Training

He’ll join Mike Gerber, Jason Krizan, Juan Perez and Alex Presley as other non-roster invitee outfielders joining the Detroit Tigers for Spring Training.