Detroit Tigers success in 2017 fueled by under-the-radar acquisitions

Jim Adduci and John Hicks

Two more recent acquisitions have also helped the Tigers, albeit in a more reserve capacity.

Jim Adduci—who was stuck behind Anthony Gose, Tyler Collins, Andrew Romine, Mikie Mahtook and JaCoby Jones in the preseason outfield hierarchy—has been one of Detroit’s best reserve players this season.

Signed to a minor league deal in the offseason, Adduci helped fill in for the injured J.D. Martinez.

The former Ranger batted .318 with an .888 OPS, eight runs scored, seven RBI, six extra-base hits and five walks in 49 plate appearances before landing on the disabled list himself.

When he returns, he’ll give Detroit a potent bench bat, if not a potential solution in center field moving forward.

Meanwhile, John Hicks has also chipped in with some solid offensive numbers in limited playing time.

Hicks was claimed off waivers from Minnesota early last season.

In 27 plate appearances spread over seven games, Hicks racked up seven RBI, six runs scored, a trio of doubles and a home run.

Other Notables

It hasn’t just been recent acquisitions either.

J.D. Martinez was a fairly under-the-radar pickup when he joined the organization. He’s done nothing but produce since arriving in the Motor City.

The outfielder has been particularly impressive this season.

Martinez only made his 2017 debut on May 12, but that hasn’t stopped him from leaping to third on Detroit’s leaderboards in terms of home runs.

All told, the slugger entered Sunday with 12 RBI, 11 hits, 11 walks, nine runs scored and six home runs in eight games.