Detroit Tigers: Potential 2017 Rookie of the Year Candidates

JaCoby Jones
Position: Center Field
Age: 24
Hits: Right-Handed

Elsewhere, Jones may be Detroit’s best bet at having a repeat performance.

The center fielder isn’t a perfect prospect in the sense that he’s struck out a significant clip in the minors.

However, he has the upside to be a dynamic player at the Major League level thanks to his combination of speed and power.

Even if he doesn’t make the Major League roster, Jones has the potential to make an impact this season for Detroit.

The Tigers other center field options currently include Mikie Mahtook, Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose.

All have shown promise in the past, but none of the three have been able to consistently perform at the game’s highest level.

This could leave the door open for Jones in terms of establishing himself in 2017.

A plus defender waiting to happen, the former Pittsburgh farmhand would also bring some much-needed pop to the bottom of Detroit’s lineup.

Final Verdict

Detroit rookies could find it difficult to make an impact in the Rookie of the Year voting considering the likes of Andrew Benintendi, Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito and Aaron Judge could all see significant playing time next season.

Next: Tigers Reportedly Add Infield Depth

However, both Joe Jimenez and JaCoby Jones have the talent to make things interesting in the race for Rookie of the Year.