Detroit Tigers: Second base replacements if Ian Kinsler is traded

Christian Colon

Christian Colon and Nick Franklin have a similar backstory: a former first-round pick who dominated the minor leagues, made his debut early and struggled while displaying good walk numbers and improving strikeout numbers in the show.

Colon was the fourth-overall pick by the Royals out of baseball powerhouse Cal-State Fullerton in 2010.

While he did not hit as well as Franklin in the low minors, he did post double-digit home runs and stolen bases while limiting his strikeouts.

Colon debuted in 2014 but has only earned 386 plate appearances over four seasons. He has posted a .252/.315/.315 line with one home run, five stolen bases and a 73 wRC+.

The former Royal offers less positional versatility than Franklin but is a stronger defender at second base, posting a very nice 7.2 UZR in 478 career innings.

Colon is 28 and has yet to hit consistently in the Majors.

However, his career 7.8% walk-rate and plus defense means he is only a little shy of being a glove first, light-hitting regular at the keystone.

He won’t develop into a star, but for a team scouring the market for inexpensive contributors, Colon is worth the investment.

Detroit Tigers fans are entering a rebuilding phase that may test the resolve of even their most loyal fans.

Next: Tigers announce prospects added to 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft

Finding potential hidden gems like Franklin and Colon will help bridge the gap while the team allows their prospects to develop on the farm.