Detroit Tigers: Simply put, right field defense wasn’t good in 2017

Will the Detroit Tigers right field defense improve in 2018?

Potentially.

In theory, Nicholas Castellanos should get better with more reps in right field as time goes on. He didn’t look completely out of place at times despite having never played the position before in the Majors.

While his advanced metrics at the position aren’t anything to write home about, there’s a possibility that he can adapt to the position moving forward.

The Tigers’ defensive outlook at the position could also improve if they decide to utilize a different outfielder at the position and shift Castellanos to a different position.

Additionally, the unit could be better if Adduci is handed more playing time or if a prospect like Mike Gerber, who profiles as a dependable defender, sees action in right field.

The Tigers could also bolster the position with a free agent signing.

Old friend Curtis Granderson, who logged 273 innings at the position in 2017, led all right fielders with at least 250 innings with a 28.2 UZR/150.

Granderson will be a free agent this offseason.

Of the same group, he finished tied for third in terms of defensive runs above average with a 3.7 stat and 10^th in DRS with a +6 number.

So yes, it could get better for the Detroit Tigers from a defensive standpoint in right field.

Next: Here they are, your winners and losers from the 2017 Detroit Tigers season

Whether it be Nicholas Castellanos becoming more comfortable at the position or a new option being brought in, there are a number of ways the right fielders could improve defensively in 2018.