Detroit Tigers: Non-Roster Invitee Position Players Most Likely to Make Team
Detroit Tigers players are right around the corner from Opening Day. Here are the position players in camp as non-roster invitees most likely to make the team.
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila spent the offseason adding plenty of minor league depth.
Avila added extra options at almost every position on the diamond. Efren Navarro and Brett Pill were brought in to provide more depth behind Miguel Cabrera, while Omar Infante and Brendan Ryan were signed to improve the reserve options up the middle.
In the outfield, the likes of Juan Perez and Alex Presley were inked as alternatives to JaCoby Jones, Tyler Collins, Mikie Mahtook and Anthony Gose.
With Spring Training winding down, things are starting to become somewhat clearer in terms of a final roster.
A number of pitchers and position players have been reassigned and optioned. However, there are still a number of outfield players who could make the team.
Here are a few of those position players. None are locks to make the team, but they certainly have a shot.
Alex Presley
Age: 31
Hits: Left-Handed
Position: Outfielder
Quietly one of the Detroit Tigers best offensive players during camp, Presley has impressed at the plate.
More from Detroit Tigers News
- 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?
The 31-year-old is hitting a robust .444 with a .516 on-base percentage, an .815 slugging percentage and an OPS that sits at 1.331.
What’s more, the former Pirate has chipped in with nine runs scored, four doubles, three RBI and two home runs.
Presley has flashed solid plate discipline with just four strikeouts compared to three walks.
J.D. Martinez’ injury has now opened up another starting role in the outfield. It remains to be seen if Presley will claim that gig, but his chances of making the roster have certainly improved.
Omar Infante
Age: 35
Hits: Right-Handed
Position: Infielder/Outfielder
In his third tour of duty with the Tigers, Omar Infante has also impressed on offense.
The veteran is batting .333 with a .353 on-base percentage, a .485 slugging percentage and a .838 OPS. Infante has also added five runs scored, five doubles four RBI and a stolen base.
Defensively, Infante can provide a veteran presence as a backup infielder. He’s previously seen time in the outfield in his career, and could conceivably fill in there for Detroit.
Anthony Gose
Age: 26
Hits: Left-Handed
Position: Outfielder
Unlike Presley and Infante, Gose hasn’t been on a tear at the plate. The outfielder is currently hitting .250 with a .289 on-base percentage.
Gose is still striking out at a high rate, with 15 punch outs in in 36 Grapefruit League at-bats, however he’d bring a left-handed bat and a speed element to the Detroit Tigers lineup.
Outside of Ian Kinsler and potentially JaCoby Jones, Detroit doesn’t have many stolen base threats.
Next: Tigers Begin the Year 8th in MCB's Power Rankings
Gose could hypothetically bring speed in a reserve role that would also allow him to pinch-run.