Detroit Tigers should bring in Stephen Vogt as Victor Martinez fill-in

Potential fit with the Detroit Tigers

Given the team’s current needs, Vogt is a near perfect fit for the Tigers.

He can serve as a designated hitter with Martinez out, or fill in at catcher or first base. In these scenarios, Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila can see time at designated hitter, keeping them fresh for the stretch run.

Vogt has also played the outfield corners in the past.

While that doesn’t seem likely to happen much in Detroit, the veteran could fill on occasion.

The Tigers could also use Vogt in a platoon with Avila behind the dish and send James McCann to Toledo.

McCann has hit for more power this year, but he’s registered a .255 on-base percentage in 150 plate appearances this year.

He’s also thrown out just 28% of would-be base stealers, down from 45% last year and 41% in his rookie campaign.

The catcher has also allowed four passed balls and 13 wild pitches this season. Last year, he had just four past balls and 22 wild pitches on his stat line.

Long-term

Despite being 32, Vogt still has two years of arbitration eligibility left. He could be deployed as occasional starter and bench cog.

Next: Buy or sell, the Tigers should make this J.D. Martinez trade

Worst case scenario, if the Tigers end up as sellers down the road in 2017, they could flip the veteran for pieces for the future.