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Detroit Tigers: Second base replacements if Ian Kinsler is traded

By Andy Patton

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers turns a double play in the seventh inning during MLB game action as Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers turns a double play in the seventh inning during MLB game action as Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 08: Nick Franklin #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of a game at Miller Park on April 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 08: Nick Franklin #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning of a game at Miller Park on April 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Nick Franklin

Nick Franklin was taken in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners.

He was an instant success, rapidly rising through the minor leagues. He blasted 23 home runs and stole 25 bases in Single-A in 2010.

Then, Franklin put up a 151 wRC+ at Double-A in 2012 and a 147 wRC+ at Triple-A to start 2013. Shortly into 2013, Franklin made his big league debut.

Unfortunately, Franklin’s minor league success has yet to translate to the majors.

He hit .225 with 12 home runs, six stolen bases and a nice 10.2% walk rate in 102 games with the Mariners in 2013, good for a 0.8 fWAR.

Since then Franklin has played on four different teams, accruing 462 at-bats and slashing .206/.271/.342 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases.

Still, the 26-year-old has posted strong walk numbers in the majors and has seen his strikeout rate decrease from 27.4% in 2013 to 18.5% in 2017.

Franklin has served as a utility man in his career, playing every infield position and both corner outfield positions.

He graded out as a strong defender with a +2 DRS and a 35.6 UZR/150 at second base last season in 77 innings, although he has struggled there in the past.

There is reason to believe that a 26-year-old with strong minor league numbers could find his groove and display some of that power and speed that helped him ascend to the Majors so rapidly.

At the very least, he can be a serviceable replacement for Romine and will cost next to nothing as a minor league free agent signing.

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