Detroit Tigers’ batting order changes could help

The Detroit Tigers offense has been pretty good so far this season. However, some changes to the order could make it even better.

The Detroit Tigers have had consistency in their batting order for the last two seasons. The batting order has commonly looked like this:

1. Ian Kinsler
2. Nick Castellanos/Catcher
3. Miguel Cabrera
4. Victor Martinez
5. J.D. Martinez
6. Justin Upton
7. Nicholas Castellanos/Catcher
8. Center fielder
9. Jose Iglesias

This has worked because of the power in the middle of the lineup, and Jose Iglesias hitting well at the 9 spot to get back to the top of the order.

I think a few minor adjustments to the lineup could make it even more explosive, and give more run support to the struggling pitching staff.

Victor Martinez used to be a scary option to put at the four spot. Hitting right behind Miguel Cabrera made this duo scary because Victor never struck out. In fact, on average Martinez struck out only 61 times per season up until last year. In 2016 Victor struck out 90 times. While that is still less than league average, it does damper the fear pitchers had when they faced him.

Victor was also known for his contact hitting and his power. The last 3 seasons he has had a steady decline there as well. The past two seasons he has averaged 19 homers and 75
RBI’s with a .270 average. Martinez’s WAR has been exactly 0.0 and currently it is sitting at a whopping 0.3.

Victor was once a feared hitter, but as he ages, he needs to have a new spot in the lineup. My suggestion is to move J.D. Martinez to 4 and Victor back to 5.

J.D. has played in just 27 games this season, but he is proving his value to the lineup. He has a much better batting average then Victor Martinez at .297. He also has double the amount of home runs in half as many games.

J.D. Martinez is younger, and if they can keep him on the team he could be the hitting clean up for many years to come.

Nicholas Castellanos has had no business being in the 2 spot. After starting the year well, Castellanos has been hitting a measly .229, he also only has a .270 on-base-percentage hitting second. With his poor hitting performance this season, he should no longer be hitting second lineup.

A change in the order could be just what he needs to light up the bat again. Castellanos has showed promise at times, especially after his 2016 season. Last season was Castellanos’ best thus far, and all signs showed he could finally be fulfilling his potential.

If the Detroit Tigers can figure out how to get him to finally show his true potential, the team could prosper immensely. Moving him back in the lineup permanently could do just that.

On the other hand, Alex Avila has been one of the best offensive catcher’s in baseball, but is still not an everyday starter. With his .322 average he should be in the lineup and always be hitting second. I know historically Avila has not hit well against left handed hitters, but with how well he is hitting, he has earned the right to start every game.