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Detroit Tigers: Mikie Mahtook is providing excellent value in center field

By Ben Rosener

Jun 27, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) receives congratulations from center fielder Mikie Mahtook (15) after he hits a three run home run in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) receives congratulations from center fielder Mikie Mahtook (15) after he hits a three run home run in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Jun 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Mikie Mahtook (15) makes a catch for an out during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Looking forward

Mikie Mahtook’s improved play is certainly a welcome sign for a Detroit Tigers team that has had trouble replacing Maybin in center field.

JaCoby Jones and Tyler Collins both struggled in the early parts of the season, while Andrew Romine is better served in a super-sub role.

Due to these struggles and lack of a solution, Detroit’s center fielders currently rank 29th in the Majors in collective WAR and on-base percentage, as well as 26th in wRC+ and wOBA.

Mahtook would also provide more production at the top of the lineup, where the Tigers have yet to find a consistent solution in the second spot in the order against left-handed pitching.

Alex Avila has been excellent hitting behind Kinsler, but considering the backstop only plays against right-handed, the team needs another option.

That very well could be Mahtook, who would be a significant upgrade in the spot over Nicholas Castellanos (25.1 strikeout percentage, .305 on-base percentage).

The future

Looking forward even further, it isn’t hard to imagine Mahtook continuing to provide value to the franchise.

According to Spotrac, Mahtook is controllable through the 2021 season.

The 27-year-old isn’t arbitration eligible until after the 2018 campaign.

Jones, Derek Hill or Mike Gerber could eventually play center field in Detroit, but if Mikie Mahtook continues to produce for the Detroit Tigers, it is hard to see him being moved off the position.

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