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.