Detroit Tigers: A look at the 2018 outfield

Victor Reyes

The Detroit Tigers used the Rule 5 draft for the second year in a row to acquire a potential future contributor.

The Tigers surprised many by using the first pick to select former Arizona farmhand Victor Reyes.

Reyes, 23, had a very strong season at Double-A last year. In 479 at-bats he hit .292 with 18 stolen bases and a 110 wRC+.

In 2016, he hit .303 with 20 stolen bases at High-A.

Reyes is a switch-hitter with speed. His power has not developed yet, but his high-contact approach could actually be a bonus in spacious Comerica Park, where his speed could turn a lot of singles into doubles.

Additionally, he has the potential to be a solid defensive outfielder, possibly even in center field.

At 23 years old, the Tigers must have felt that Reyes is ready to compete at the big league level. Reyes will likely be a fourth or even fifth outfielder in 2018. He can serve as a pinch-runner when necessary and will probably draw one or so starts per week, just to get a feel for the game at the highest level.

For a rebuilding team, using the Rule 5 draft to acquire young talent for the future is a necessary part of the process. While Reyes may not be ready for the major leagues just yet, keeping him at the show will allow the Tigers to retain his contract for five more seasons, a huge bonus for a rebuilding team trying to cut costs.

Next is a list of players in Detroit’s system that could find their way into the outfield either on opening day or at some point later in the season: