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Detroit Tigers: 3 players that could return, 2 that are expendable under new regime

By Matthew Scheidel

Tigers' new president of baseball operations Scott Harris, center, prepares to speak during his introductory news conference Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. He is flanked by Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch (left) and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment president Chris McGowan.
Tigers' new president of baseball operations Scott Harris, center, prepares to speak during his introductory news conference Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. He is flanked by Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch (left) and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment president Chris McGowan. /
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2 players that are expendable: OF Victor Reyes

Detroit Tigers
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Victor Reyes #22 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during warm ups ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 05, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

It’s been a roller coaster ride for Victor Reyes during his time in Detroit. A rule-5 pick back in 2017, he played sparingly in 2018 and he was pretty bad—almost like he hadn’t played above Double-A or something.

But in 69 games in 2019, he hit .304 with a .767 OPS. He followed that up with a solid campaign in the shortened-2020 season. He’s always been a slightly below average hitter for most of his career. He’s finally hitting the ball harder this year, as evidenced by his 44.2% hard hit rate, but one thing is still dragging him down: the lack of walks.

His career walk rate is 3.8%, which is putrid, and certainly won’t get it done under Scott Harris. His career strikeout rate of 22.3% is okay, but he’s always been a high chase rate guy. He doesn’t do a good job of controlling the strike zone, which makes him a prime candidate to be non-tendered this offseason.

That’s why I think Baddoo gets the nod over him. Baddoo has shown the ability to draw walks. Reyes never has in parts of five years as a big leaguer.

I know he’s turned into a bit of a fan favorite—especially for our own Jon Erkkila. But he’s just not a very good player. Sorry, Jon. At the end of the day, Victor Reyes is a fourth outfielder at best.

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