How Will The Detroit Tigers Defense Be In 2018?

Left field

Left field will be manned by Mikie Mahtook who provided positive defense in left field and he also brings some speed and a competitive fire to the young Detroit Tigers. His UZR rating in left field from 2017 was 0.7 and he did not make a single error in 113.1 innings in left field in 2017.

Center field

Center field will be manned, more than likely, by new signee Leonys Martin. Martin has always been credited as a strong defender in centerfield and a fast runner who is also good on the basepaths. He has been worth a 6.7 Defensive WAR in his career, according to Baseball Reference. Also, in his career he has saved an impressive 48 runs. He has also had over ten assists in four of his seven MLB seasons from the outfield. Martin also possesses a lot of range, especially in center field, even leading the league in range factor in 2014.

Right field

Nicholas Castellanos is another story compared to the first two. He is an excellent hitter and is still only 25 years old. However, in a small sample size of 173.0 innings in right field in 2017 he was worth -7 defensive runs saved. He also was not the best at making in game adjustments or taking the best routes. Many blame that on why Matt Boyd did not get a no hitter last year. Castellanos, though, has worked very hard to try and get better in right and he tried hard to get better at third base. Sometimes, a player is better suited for a less defensive position such as first base or designated hitter. So, while Castellanos will never win a Gold Glove; it is not for a lack of trying.

Bench

Victor Reyes, the Tigers Rule 5 Draft pick, is capable of manning all three outfield spots. According to MLB.com he has a fielding grade and arm grade of 50 which is average, but still solid. JaCoby Jones, who may or may not make the opening day roster, is a potential Gold Glover. In 2017 Jones had +5 DRS and a defensive WAR of 0.6.

Third Base

Third Base will be manned by Jeimer Candelario, the man who started the Detroit Tigers first triple play since 2001. Candelario is an average defender at third, but he has worked very hard on becoming a much better third baseman. He has a slightly above average arm and quick hands. Candelario will never be mistaken for a Nolan Arenado, but his defense will not be a detriment to the Tigers.

Shortstop

At shortstop, at least for now, is Jose Iglesias. Iglesias SHOULD have a Gold Glove, but he at least has been in the voting. As Tigers fans, we all know that Iggy is a fantastic defender. Iglesias was worth +3 DRS in 2017 and he had a UZR of 8.6 in 2017. Expect much of the same until he is, more than likely, traded.

Second Base

Second base will be manned by Dixon Machado, that is until Iglesias is traded and he will shift to shortstop. Machado’s defensive numbers in the majors are nothing to write home about, however he does have a career UZR of 2.2 and his scouting grades were both 60 at fielding and arm strength which is above average. Many compare Machado to his teammate Jose Iglesias in both batting and fielding. If those comps are true, expect some flashy plays at the keystone in 2018.

First Base

Of course first base will be manned by Miguel Cabrera. Even though Cabrera should be at designated hitter, Victor Martinez is still under contract for 18 million dollars. Miggy has always been scrutinized by advanced fielding stats, but Cabrera does have a career UZR of 2.6 and he is known for his strong throwing arm. With Cabrera getting older, his defense will probably start to suffer sooner rather than later.

The starting catcher is going to be James McCann. The McCannon, as that name suggest, has a good arm and a 37% caught stealing rate. He also has a career defensive WAR of 2.6. In 2016 McCann had +9 DRS. His scouting grades were 55 for both defensive ability and arm strength. One con to McCann is that his pitch framing has always been subpar, but just about everything else is a postive when it comes to defense. McCann also has great leadership skills and that will come in handy in a rebuild with many young pitchers and players in general. If McCann can get his offense going, expect him to win a Gold Glove in the coming years.

McCann’s backup and possibly even Miggy’s backup, will be John Hicks. Hicks was a pleasant offensive surprise in 2017 and while he mainly played first base, catcher is his main position. Hicks only has 78 career MLB games under his belt, but at the catching position he is worth +1 DRS and in 2017 he caught 33% of potential base stealers.

Third string options

There is also a third catcher on the roster and that is prospect Grayson Greiner. More than likely we will be seeing him at some point in 2018. Greiner, along with Jake Rogers, could be the new catching duo in a couple years and Greiner will more than likely be the defense first backup. Greiner, who is a 6’6″ catcher was graded at 50 for fielding, which is average and a 55 for arm strength which is slightly above average. Even though he is large for a catcher, he is said to be fairly agile behind the dish and is a very good receiver.

If Greiner’s bat does not show up next year, the Tigers did sign two veteran backstops to minor league deals for depth just in case. Former Tiger Brayan Pena and former All-Star Derek Norris. Pena has always been known as a defense first catcher and he has a career defensive WAR of 1.1 and a 28% career caught stealing rate. Derek Norris, on the other hand, is known as an all around catcher. Early in his career he provided offense and defense with career defensive WAR of 3.2 and offensive WAR of 8.4. Norris also has a fairly strong arm from behind the plate.

Next: A look at the 2018 Outfield

So, in conclusion, the Detroit Tigers still have a ways to go with their defense. However, most of these players have several positives with their defense and with a new coaching staff I expect them to add several more positives in the defense department. Go Tigers!