Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down Center Field Competition

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Jun 4, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Mikie Mahtook (27) makes a sliding catch to end the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Defensively, it comes down to Jones, Anthony Gose and Mahtook.

Collins has only played 30 games in center field defensively, including 29 last season.

Things could change, but the 26-year-old struggled mightily. The outfielder turned in a -4 DRS, a -1.8 UZR and a -11.4 UZR/150.

The likes of Jones, Gose and Mahtook could provide better options on defense.

With his athleticism and speed, Jones is an above-average defensive outfielder waiting to happen.

He obviously doesn’t have the Major League numbers to back it up, but Jones will make an impact on defense when called upon for Detroit.

Mikie Mahtook on the other hand, does have the numbers to back it up.

Last season in center field for the Rays, the outfielder logged a DRS of two, a 1.3 UZR and a 10.5 UZR/150 in center field.

Rounding out the list is Gose.

Like Jones, his speed will help him make plays defensively and navigate the expanse that is center field in Comerica Park.

However, from a statistical standpoint, the former Blue Jay had a mixed bag of a season in 2016.

Gose finished with a -3 DRS, but posted a 1.3 UZR and a 7.0 UZR/150 in his time with the Detroit Tigers.

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