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Detroit Tigers: Who should start in Left Field?

By Andy Patton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: JaCoby Jones #40 of the Detroit Tigers makes a diving attempt but was unable to catch a hit by Ehire Adrianza #16 of the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning during of their baseball game on September 30, 2017, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Andy King/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: JaCoby Jones #40 of the Detroit Tigers makes a diving attempt but was unable to catch a hit by Ehire Adrianza #16 of the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning during of their baseball game on September 30, 2017, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Andy King/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 04: Jim Adduci #37 of the Detroit Tigers is unable to catch a double hit by Seth Smith #12 of the Baltimore Orioles (not pictured) in the seventh inning during a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 4, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 04: Jim Adduci #37 of the Detroit Tigers is unable to catch a double hit by Seth Smith #12 of the Baltimore Orioles (not pictured) in the seventh inning during a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 4, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

The Tigers could always dip into the pool of talent at Triple-A Toledo for help in left field. Obviously Mahtook is down there currently, but here are a few other options:

Jim Adduci

The soon to be 33-year-old Adduci had a solid run with the Tigers last season, slashing .241/.323/.398 with six doubles and 10 RBI in 83 at-bats. Adduci played exclusively right field for the Tigers last season, but has started 28 career big league games in left field. While he’s not a big league starter by any means, he could certainly fill-in temporarily if the Tigers needed him to.

Jason Krizan

Despite spending over 800 games in the minor leagues, including 163 at Triple-A Toledo, Jason Krizan has yet to make his big league debut. The 28-year-old has hit .266 with seven home runs and 33 doubles in his Triple-A career, where he has primarily played left field. Like Adduci, Krizan would be nothing more than a roster filler. Neither Krizan or Adduci are on the 40-man roster, so a corresponding move would need to be made.

The Prospects

The Tigers have two nearly MLB ready outfield prospects in Christin Stewart and Mike Gerber. However, both have limited experience at Triple-A and would benefit from more seasoning in Toledo before reaching the show.

Gerber posted very strong numbers at Double-A last year, and has been a great hitter since he was drafted back in 2014. However, he has an issue with strikeouts. He is currently posting a 35.7% strikeout rate, compared to a 2.4% walk rate. He will need to improve in both areas before he’s ready for the show. Expect to see him in 2018, sometime during the second half of the year.

The same can be said for Stewart, who is at Triple-A for the first time in his career. While his 17.9% walk rate and 12.8% strikeout rate are both elite, he is still hitting just .194 through nine games. He will need more time at Triple-A before he can unleash his 30-home run potential on the Motor City.

Next: Tigers prospects entering make-or-break seasons

The Detroit Tigers have a lot of players who could slot into left field in a pinch. Ideally, Mahtook or Jones takes the reigns and is able to handle the position in a full-time capacity – at least until September when one of Gerber or Stewart takes over.

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