Detroit Tigers Have Solid Depth Piece in Dixon Machado

Detroit Tigers fans will see a different bench unit next season, as a number of veterans have moved on. One player who could prove to be a key bench cog is Dixon Machado.

Detroit Tigers infielder Dixon Machado has long been one of the organization’s top middle-infield prospects.

The Tigers previously had the likes Eugenio Suarez, Hernan Perez, Devon Travis, Javier Betancourt and Domingo Leyba in the minors developing along with the shortstop.

However, Machado has always stood out for his defense.

Defensively, the shortstop has probably been ready for the Majors for a few seasons. However, he’s had Jose Iglesias above him on the depth chart.

Because of this, the 24-year-old has appeared in just 32 games for Detroit over the past two seasons. That number included just eight in 2016.

Machado could be in line for a larger role in 2017, but he’ll have to make the Tigers roster first.

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The infielder is out of options, meaning Detroit could potentially lose him if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.

That’s easier said than done. Andrew Romine is a lock to make the bench, as is Alex Avila.

Elsewhere, it wouldn’t be a shock to see one of Tyler Collins or Mikie Mahtook make the unit—assuming the other wins the starting job in center field.

Should the Machado make the team, however, he’ll provide some excellent depth in the infield.

From a fielding standpoint, the prospect could fill in for all of Detroit’s starting infielders not named Miguel Cabrera.

The former Toledo Mud Hen will be particularly useful in stepping in for Jose Iglesias.

Over the span of just 30 Major League innings at shortstop last season, Machado turned in a DRS of two, a UZR of 2.0 and a UZR/150 of 74.8.

In pairing with Romine, Dixon Machado would give the Tigers two versatile and strong fielders coming off the bench.

At the Plate

A .218 hitter during his brief time in the Majors and a .246 lifetime batter in the minors, Machado has shown signs of improvement at the plate for Toledo.

The 24-year-old is a .264 career hitter with the Mud Hens, including a .266 number last season.

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In 131 games for Lloyd McClendon’s club, the infielder also logged a .349 on-base percentage, a .356 slugging percentage and a .705 OPS.

He scored 48 runs while also chipping in with 48 RBI, 28 doubles, 17 stolen bases, four home runs and two triples.

Machado’s wRC+ increased from 88 in 2015 with Toledo to 106 last season at the highest level of the minors.

Long Term

It may be in the Detroit Tigers best interest to keep Dixon Machado around for the long haul.

A like-for-like substitute for Iglesias, Machado could eventually replace the former Red Sox player.

Per Spotrac, the veteran is slated to make $4.1 million this season.

Iglesias will be eligible for arbitration one more time before he’s scheduled to hit free agency after the 2018 season.

With the Tigers looking to become more financially-sustainable, Machado could represent a cheaper alternative to Iglesias while bringing a similar skill set.

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The younger shortstop, according to Spotrac, won’t be eligible for arbitration until after the 2018 season. He’s controllable through 2021.