The 2014 Detroit Tigers: Where are they now?

Detroit Tigers DH and outfield

J.D. Martinez
Boston Red Sox

Just typing out J.D.’s name hurt my soul and it’s still probably one of the more difficult dealings I’ve witnessed as a Tigers fan. With 23 home runs and 76 RBI and an OPS of .912, Martinez had some of the better Tigers batting stats in 2014. He’s a 4x All-Star, 3x Silver Slugger, 2018 World Series winner,

and still dominates in a Red Sox uniform with 25 home runs on the year.

Victor Martinez
Retired

Although plagued with knee injuries, Victor Martinez had the best numbers during the 2014 season: .335/.409/.565 and a remarkable OPS of .974. With both Miggy and V-Mart in the batting order, there was never a shortage of astonishing skill on display. The 5x All-Star and 2x Silver Slugger ended his career in Detroit with .295/.360./.455 and then went on to fulfill his other dream of becoming a cattle farmer.

Don Kelly
Pittsburgh Pirates, Bench Coach

I saved the best of the batters for last: utility man, Don Kelly, baby. When writing my notes for each individual player, the highlighted point for Kelly was “pure joy.” With a career .230/.294/.334, Kelly went on to resume his baseball career as a bench coach for the Pirates. He may not have been number one in batting stats, but he’ll always be number one in our hearts. They can’t stop Don Kelly.

If I haven’t already made you cry thus far, well, I haven’t taken a crack at pitchers yet. Have your tissues at the ready.