Detroit Tigers: Previewing the 2018 lineup

Batting Ninth: Center-Fielder JaCoby Jones

Called a “Quality” prospect, JaCoby Jones was originally acquired via trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Joakim Soria. Jones was originally a shortstop, but converted to Center Field. He’s a quick fielder. Jones played 363.2 innings at center in 2017, making 132 putouts, and only one error.

He was hit in the face with an 89-mph fastball April 22th. He went on the disabled list for a short time. When he returned, it took a while before he began to rebound. A short time in Toledo later, he was recalled, and had his best month in August. Jones hit .235/.381/.616 in 21 plate appearances. He declined again in September.

It’s unsure if he’ll rebound in 2018. Baseball-reference has him hitting .225/.294/.665 this season.

Jones is inexperienced at the major-league level. Like Dixon Machado, he’ll have to get used to the better pitching. Jones has had success at the minor-league level, hitting .264 with limited power and a respectable OPS. Perhaps he is still adapting to the majors.

Time will tell if that’s the case. If it’s not, the Detroit Tigers have a few prospects waiting in the wings, almost ready to be called up to the majors, including Michael Gerber. There’s also Leonys Martin, whom the Tigers acquired in the offseason.

Martin will more than likely make the club, but he isn’t the future of the Tigers. He’s 29. Martin will be 30 before the season begins. While he has been in the league for seven years, Jones is who the Tigers want patrolling Center. If Jones doesn’t produce, Martin will take over.

Next: A look at the 2018 Outfield

The Tigers will likely alter their lineup throughout the 2018 season. Expect to see Leonys Martin, John Hicks and Rule 5 selection Victor Reyes in the starting lineup on occasion. Still, this provides a good luck at who Tiger fans can expect to see at the ballpark on a regular basis.