Detroit Tigers: Grading Al Avila’s Offseason Moves So Far

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila traded away just one major contributor in the winter. He also made additional deals to bolster the bench and the bullpen. Here’s how the moves grade out so far.

Detroit Tigers fans could have seen a very different offseason. With the names of numerous players surfacing in the rumor mill, it wasn’t a guarantee that Detroit’s nucleus would stay together. However, general manager Al Avila only traded away Cameron Maybin.

With a lineup that—when healthy—features Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez, Nicholas Castellanos, Justin Upton and Victor Martinez, the Tigers will likely be in contention for a playoff spot as the season progresses.

Thanks to the returning lineup and a pitching staff that features the likes of Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer and Matt Boyd, Detroit certainly can make some noise when everyone is firing on all cylinders.

The fact that the team stood pat and didn’t rebuild may seem strange to some, but the reality is that the Tigers have a shot.

Detroit’s bullpen will need some help, but the team plays in a division that saw the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals take major steps back in terms of contending.

What’s more, Avila’s moves have subtly improved a team that just missed out on a wild card berth in 2016.

Here’s how the general manager’s offseason moves have graded out so far.

Trading Cameron Maybin for Victor Alcantara
Grade: B+

Cameron Maybin was excellent for the Detroit Tigers in 2016. The outfielder compiled a 2.0 WAR, a .383 on-base percentage, a 120 wRC+, a 2.5 BsR and 65 runs scored in 94 games.

However, with the 2017 season fully under way, it looks like the Tigers made the right call in flipping Maybin to Anaheim for pitching prospect Victor Alcantara.

According to Spotrac, Maybin will make $9 million this season before becoming a free agent at the conclusion of the World Series.

In moving the center fielder, Detroit was able to get out from under his salary while adding an intriguing pitching prospect in Victor Alcantara.

The right-hander checked in at #24 on Motor City Bengals’ list of the top Tigers prospects heading into the season.

A hard-throwing pitcher with the ability to miss bats, Alcantara has found success early as a relief pitcher with Double-A Erie.

In seven appearances (15 innings pitched), the 24-year-old owns a 2.40 ERA. His control—seven walks, two wild pitches, one hit batter—isn’t there yet, but he has a promising future nonetheless.

More Playing Time for JaCoby Jones

Not only did Detroit save money and pick up Alcantara in the Maybin trade, the move also opened up more playing time for JaCoby Jones.

One of the Tigers’ top prospects, Jones had a strong Spring Training and earned a spot on the Major League roster.

He hasn’t been perfect, but he’s also flashed exciting upside with his blend of speed and power.

Jones, also a plus defender, has posted similar stats to Maybin across the board. He’s arguably been better overall thanks to his base running and defensive abilities.

Cameron Maybin’s 2017 Stats with Anaheim: 0.0 WAR, .315 on-base percentage, 79 wRC+, .078 ISO, -0.3 BsR, 2 DRS, 0.5 UZR, 15.4 UZR/150, 0.2 ARM.

JaCoby Jones’ 2017 Stats with Detroit: 0.2 WAR, .244 on-base percentage, 52 wRC+, .150 ISO, 0.1 BsR, 3 DRS, 2.4 UZR, 22.5 UZR/150, 1.0 ARM.

Other Deals

Acquiring Mikie Mahtook
Grade: C+

The move to bring in Mahtook checks in as a “C+” right now. However, that could change.

Initially acquired to serve in a platoon with Tyler Collins, Mahtook hasn’t had the best start to the 2017 campaign.

In 35 plate appearances, he’s hit just .194 with a .286 on-base percentage, a .161 ISO and a 81 wRC+. The outfielder does sport a .250 BABIP, so he could be due for an uptick in production at some point.

That would be a welcome change, as Mahtook is a young and controllable piece for the Tigers. With five-tool potential, a rebound from the outfielder would certainly make the trade grade look better.

Bringing in Daniel Stumpf
Grade: B

A Rule 5 draft pick from the Kansas City Royals, the left-handed Stumpf didn’t make the team out of Spring Training.

He was offered back to Kansas City and eventually became a free agent due to his status as a two-time Rule 5 pick.

The southpaw re-signed with Detroit, and is currently pitching out of the Toledo bullpen.

In eight frames for the Mud Hens, Stumpf has struck out 10.13 batters per nine frames and owns a 2.96 xFIP.

Next: Breaking Down Detroit's Bullpen Situation

Like Mahtook, he’s relatively young and controllable. The fact that Al Avila was able to essentially able add a useful left-handed reliever for nothing makes this move a success for Detroit.