Taking pulse of Tigers, Giants
MLB OFFSEASON REPORT: DETROIT TIGERS
After a fruitless few seasons as their aging core finally crumbled, the Tigers are in full rebuild mode. The team is playing not for this season, or the seasons to follow, but for far down the road. Expect them to hoard prospects accordingly and sign low-level free agents to bridge the gap. Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press takes an inside look at the team. *Prospect. Catcher
James McCann is projected to be the Tigers’ starting catcher in 2018, though he is expected to garner interest on the trade market. McCann finished 2017 with a strong second half but needs to continue improving his pitch framing skills. John Hicks, who was solid last season, is slated to back up McCann.
Depth chart: McCann, Hicks, *Grayson Greiner
First base
Miguel Cabrera once again will carry the load, assuming full health. Last season, Cabrera posted career-low numbers on offense while dealing with back issues throughout. The Tigers don’t have much insurance behind Cabrera in the form of a backup first baseman, which could be a priority since the team wants to get Cabrera off his feet more next season. Hicks spent time there last season and looks like the first option.
Depth chart: Cabrera, Hicks, Jeimer Candelario
Second base
Ian Kinsler is widely believed to be on the trade block and likely will be dealt this offseason. His replacement depends on what the team does elsewhere up the middle: If Jose Iglesias returns, Dixon Machado will get his first crack at an everyday role. If Iglesias is moved, Machado would play shortstop and the team would need to find a second baseman.
Depth chart: Ian Kinsler, Dixon Machado, *Dawel Lugo
Third base
Candelario was extremely impressive in his first month after coming over from the Chicago Cubs in a trade-deadline deal. Given his youth, ability and team control, Candelario could be the most untouchable player. He did not appear to be overmatched at the major league level. Nick Castellanos, a third baseman by trade, will be moved to right field but could see intermittent time at third.
Depth chart: Candelario, Castellanos, *Lugo
Shortstop
Iglesias seems a safe bet to return in 2018. The Tigers have tried to move him, and his price will increase in his third year of arbitration eligibility. In case they are able to move Iglesias, Machado would move to shortstop. Iglesias remains one of the best defenders at shortstop in the majors and showed some improvement at the plate in 2017.
Depth chart: Iglesias, Machado
Left field
Mikie Mahtook proved to be a pre- scient under-the-radar pickup late last offseason and is slated to start in left field. Mahtook was a positive player for the Tigers in 2017 and could take another step after his longest look at the major league level. With a lack of depth in the outfield, look for the Tigers to add a flexible veteran in free agency.
Depth chart: Mikie Mahtook, *Mike Gerber
Center field
JaCoby Jones struggled offensively once again in 2017 but showed that he is an upper-echelon defender in the outfield. Jones has tons of athleticism and serves an important role at spacious Comerica Park. Given the team’s current rebuilding, they likely will let Jones take a lot of lumps offensively for their best look at him in a full-time role. Mahtook has plenty of experience in center field, as well. Depth chart: Jones, Mahtook
Right field
Castellanos transitioned to right field late in the season and is slated to open next season there. He’s an exceptional hitter and will hit in the middle of the order. Defensively, he did not look great in right. But after an offseason to work on the position, he could improve. He has added physicality to his game. Waiting in the minors is Christin Stewart.
Depth chart: Castellanos, Mahtook, *Stewart
Designated hitter
Victor Martinez is expected to return
after heart ablation surgery in late September, and he should serve as the everyday designated hitter again. Martinez has declined but will give the Tigers an important left-handed bat. He can be a big benefit for their young players.
Depth chart: Martinez, *Stewart
Rotation
The days of the Tigers having a starstudded rotation are long gone. They will rely heavily on right-hander Michael Fulmer to bounce back from elbow nerve transposition surgery. At full health, Fulmer is a front-line pitcher. Behind him is Jordan Zimmermann, who has struggled to live up to his five-year, $110 million contract. Zimmermann has dealt with neck issues, which the team could treat with injections. Lefties Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris will take up two places in the starting rotation. Boyd showed improvement in 2017 and Norris still has upside, but both are unproven. The Tigers will count on them for serious innings. The team is looking to sign a starting pitcher or two in free agency. Buck Farmer’s role remains in limbo, and the team lacks dependable starting pitching outside of the shaky top four. The team plans to sign minor league free agents, looking for diamonds in the rough.
Depth chart: RHP Fulmer, RHP Zimmermann, LHP Boyd, LHP Norris, RHP Farmer, *LHP Chad Bell, *RHP Artie Lewicki
Bullpen
The team is equally as thin in the bullpen. Only three names can be penciled in: closer Shane Greene, setup man Alex Wilson and left-hander Daniel Stumpf. Greene was solid in his two months as closer. Wilson regressed after two solid seasons and is rehabilitating from a broken leg. Stumpf, a Rule 5 draft find, profiles as the top lefty. Filling out the bullpen are good bets in righties Warwick Saupold and Joe Jimenez. Once a top relief prospect, Jimenez struggled in his rookie season but could get plenty of experience in 2018. Drew VerHagen and Blaine Hardy will be relied upon, but neither offers too much upside and Bruce Rondon remains the biggest wild card. Rondon has fallen out of favor but has the kind of potential that could be attractive on the trade market. As a secondyear arbitration eligible player, there is a chance he is non-tendered. Look for the team to sign minor leaguers and use the Rule 5 draft again to find bullpen options.
Depth chart: RHP Wilson, LHP Stumpf, RHP Saupold, RHP Jimenez, LHP Hardy, RHP VerHagen, RHP Rondon