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Detroit Tigers Rank Highly in MCB’s First Power Rankings of 2017

By Ben Rosener

Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) reacts after hitting a home run with starting pitcher Daniel Norris (right) against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) reacts after hitting a home run with starting pitcher Daniel Norris (right) against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2017; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Dexter Fowler (25) looks on during a spring training game against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Dexter Fowler (25) looks on during a spring training game against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

#6 St. Louis Cardinals
2016 Run Differential: +67
Best Offseason Move: Signing Dexter Fowler
Worst Offseason Move: None

After seeing the Chicago Cubs sign Jason Heyward and John Lackey away from the team in free agency, the St. Louis Cardinals finally were able to sign a high-profile Cub free agent.

Dexter Fowler joined the franchise after a strong season with Chicago last year.

The outfielder hit .276 with a 129 wRC+ in 125 games for the World Champions.

He also turned in a .393 on-base percentage while contributing 84 runs scored, 48 RBI, 25 doubles, 13 home runs, 13 triples and seven stolen bases.

If he can post similar numbers in his debut season in St. Louis, the Cardinals will give the Cubs a run for their money in the race for the National League Central crown.

Fowler was obviously the team’s best move, but don’t overlook the Brett Cecil signing.

The ex-Blue Jays hurler has posted a SIERA under 2.73 in each of the past four seasons. He’s also notched swinging strike percentages north of 11.5 in each of those campaigns as well.

Even if the Cubs take home the division again in 2017, expect the St. Louis Cardinals to be right in the thick of things come October.

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