2016 Detroit Tigers Preview & Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep
The Tigers snapped a six-season streak of .500, or better, baseball. Last year, they were 74-87. That was the fewest amount of wins in Detroit since 2008. Dave Dombrowski isn't the GM in Detroit anymore, but the Tigers still made waves in the offseason. New general manager, Al Avila, added Justin Upton in January. Upton inked a six-year, $132.75 million contract. Avila also bolstered the pitching staff by adding Jordan Zimmermann and solidified the closer role with Francisco Rodriguez.
ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVE
Key additions: Justin Upton (OF), Jordan Zimmermann (SP), and Francisco Rodriguez (RP)
Key losses: Rajai Davis (OF) and Alex Avila (C)
Projected lineup
1. Ian Kinsler - 2B
2. Justin Upton - LF
3. Miguel Cabrera - 1B
4. Victor Martinez - DH
5. J.D. Martinez - RF
6. Nick Castellanos - 3B
7. James McCann - C
8. Jose Iglesias - SS
9. Anthony Gose - CF
Last year, only one Tiger player hit more than 18 home runs, and it wasn't Miguel Cabrera. It was J.D. Martinez. In his second year with Detroit, Martinez's numbers improved greatly. His home run total went from 23 to 38 and his RBI contribution jumped from 76 to 102. He'll likely stay in the five-spot, which should prevent Martinez from putting extra pressure on himself...Justin Upton scored a big contract deal with Detroit. Though he is entering his ninth season, this will be Upton's first in the AL. In four of the past five years, Upton belted at least 26 home runs and delivered over 80 RBI in back-to-back sessions. In his career, Upton has played nine games at Comerica Park (.324 AVG), 11 games at Kauffman Stadium (.366 AVG), and three games at U.S. Cellular Field (.333 AVG). Also, Upton has stepped in the box 448 times as the number two hitter (.279 AVG).
Projected rotation
1. Justin Verlander
2. Jordan Zimmermann
3. Anibal Sanchez
4. Daniel Norris
5. Mike Pelfrey
Closer: Francisco Rodriguez
The Tigers have two new arms in the starting rotation this season. Joining Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez are Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey. Zimmermann won 13 games last year with the Nationals and has at least 12 victories in each of the past four years. He has also pitched at least 195.2 innings during those four campaigns. Pelfrey is a 32-year-old veteran who has spent the past three seasons in Minnesota. Though he has only won 11 games in 64 starts as a member of the Twins, Pelfrey's 4.26 ERA in 2015 was the lowest it's been since 2010...The most glaring issue on Detroit's roster has been the closer spot. From Joakim Soria to Jose Valverde, the Tigers have blown at least 16 saves in four-consecutive seasons (25 blown saves in 2015). New closer, Francisco Rodriguez, has tallied 82 total saves in the past two years and only failed to record a save in seven of those opportunities.
Sleeper: Cameron Maybin is back in the Motor City. The former first-round pick of the Tigers in 2005 was traded to the Marlins in 2008, then was sent to San Diego in 2011, and finally landed in Atlanta in 2015 where he had his best season, thus far. Maybin hit a career-high 14 home runs and also recorded a career-high 59 RBI in 141 games. Anthony Gose might be the center fielder on Opening Day, but it won't be long until Maybin claims his spot in Detroit's outfield.
Top prospect
Michael Fulmer, SP - As a part of the package deal for Yoenis Cespedes, Fulmer was sent to Detroit. In 22 minor league starts last season, Fulmer was 10-3 with a 2.24 ERA and struck out 125 batters in 124.2 innings of work. Fulmer was also named the Pitcher of the Year in the Eastern League (AA).