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Detroit Tigers: It remains to be seen if Justin Upton opts out of his contract, if he does, here are some potential replacements

By Ben Rosener

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 20: Justin Upton #8 of the Detroit Tigers hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on August 20, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 20: Justin Upton #8 of the Detroit Tigers hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a MLB game at Comerica Park on August 20, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 04: Jim Adduci #37 of the Detroit Tigers hits a solo home run in the first inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 4, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Mike Gerber

Stewart’s teammate in Double-A, Gerber has done nothing but produce in his minor league career.

The former 15th-round pick is currently batting .294 with a .369 on-base percentage, a .472 slugging percentage and an .841 OPS in 350 plate appearances for Erie.

He’s also added 58 runs scored, 40 RBI, 20 doubles, 11 home runs, 10 stolen bases and a triple.

Similar to Stewart, Gerber seems more likely to debut sometime in 2018 than this season.

Still, the potential is there for the outfielder to be productive in the Majors.

Alex Presley and Jim Adduci

In the event that Upton opts out, the Detroit Tigers could opt to go for a combination of players to replace the All-Star.

The team could utilize Presley and Adduci in one or both of left and right field until Stewart and Gerber are ready to step in later in the season.

So far this season, both Presley and Adduci have proved to be dependable bench pieces in the Motor City.

Presley owns a 102 wRC+, a .744 OPS, eight extra-base hits and three stolen bases in 146 plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Adduci is sporting a 92 wRC+, a .720 OPS and nine extra-base hits in 93 plate appearances.

The Tigers could also deploy Tyler Collins, Jason Krizan or Steven Moya in left field until the top prospects are ready.

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