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Detroit Tigers: Free agent shortstop depth options if Jose Iglesias is traded

By Ben Rosener

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base to turn a double play over Steven Souza Jr. #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays to end the first inning of a game on April 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base to turn a double play over Steven Souza Jr. #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays to end the first inning of a game on April 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 13: Erick Aybar #8 of the San Diego Padres steals second base as Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch during the second inning of the game on September 13, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 13: Erick Aybar #8 of the San Diego Padres steals second base as Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch during the second inning of the game on September 13, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Erick Aybar

Aybar showed well at the plate down the stretch in 2016 for the Detroit Tigers. Following a mid-season trade from Atlanta, the veteran turned in a .341 on-base percentage and an 87 wRC+ in 91 plate appearance, but moved on in the offseason.

He didn’t light the world on fire in his first stint with San Diego, turning in a 74 wRC+ and a .282 wOBA in 370 plate appearances.

However, he was weighed down by a .262 BABIP and did manage to turn in a .114 ISO that was his best mark in the category since 2012.

As a bench cog and occasional starter at shortstop, second base or third base, Aybar makes plenty of sense as a depth piece for the Detroit Tigers.

Adam Rosales

Like Drew and Aybar, Rosales can play multiple infield positions. In this case, the former Athletic can play all four infield positions.

His glove work at shortstop won’t win him any awards, as Rosales turned in a -6 DRS, and a -4.0 UZR in 514 defensive innings at the position in 2017.

Still, the Western Michigan product brings some pop (.128 ISO, four home runs in 312 plate appearances) to a position that is generally devoid of it.

Next: Hypothetical trade time!

If Rosales can replicate his 2016 numbers—.814 OPS, 13 home runs.266 ISO, 115 wRC+ and a .340 wOBA—he’d make for an excellent backup to Machado.

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