MLB: Best Double Play Combos in Baseball
By Joe Piazza
2B Ian Kinsler & SS Jose Iglesias, Detroit Tigers
If this was based strictly on defense, the Tigers would have one of the top-2 double play combos in the game. For years, Kinsler has been a slugger at second base and a more than solid defender. Iglesias is much more well-known for his glove, but has had a decent bat as well. At the moment, Kinsler is hitting .248, while Iglesias is at .200. Since 2014, Kinsler has averaged over 5 fWAR per year thanks to his steady glove work and offensive skills. Iglesias has always been the light-hitting type, but hasn’t gotten into rhythm yet. If not for their defensive prowess, the Tigers’ tandem up the middle would not have made this list.
That’s the thing, though. Kinsler and Iglesias aren’t just a couple of solid defenders up the middle: they’re truly excellent. Last year alone, they combined for a whopping 7.9 fWAR. Their most memorable play was likely this one from back in 2015.
Sure, that was a few years ago. So what can you do for me now?
As it turns out, their defensive cohesion and skill might actually outweigh their offensive shortcomings.
Sliding plays? Check. Throws across the body? Check. Quick Hands? Check. Legitimate range? No doubt. Despite their negative production in the batter’s box this year, the Kinsler/Iglesias duo is still one of the top double play combos in baseball. Kinsler will likely rebound from a slow start at the plate, and Iglesias probably won’t be hovering around the Mendoza line forever. While the biggest names in Detroit are undoubtedly Cabrera and Verlander, the contributions of Ian Kinsler and Jose Iglesias should not be overlooked.