The Detroit Tigers could use another outfielder and left-handed hitter. They should consider looking at free agent Ben Revere.
During the offseason, the Detroit Tigers will likely be looking to make minor moves to improve their club. Addressing the starting rotation, adding bullpen help and perhaps throwing more left-handed bats into the mix appear to be near the top of their list of priorities.
When it comes to looking for a left-handed bat, one player who they should look at is Ben Revere. Last offseason, Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reported that Revere could be a fit for the Tigers, but the speedy outfielder ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Angels. The Tigers might be wise to consider signing Revere this time around.
Revere has been an excellent contact hitter throughout his career. He has hit for a high average in the past and is very tough to strike out. He won’t hit for too much power, though, as Revere has never hit more than two home runs in any season during his eight-year career.
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Revere made his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2010. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the beginning of the 2013 season. Over the next three seasons, Revere hit .306/.334/.365 over 1,596 plate appearances and stole 102 bases with the Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays (he was dealt to Toronto in the summer of 2015.)
After a down season with the Washington Nationals in 2016, Revere landed with the Angels on a one-year deal. Through 109 games in 2017, Revere hit a respectable .275/.308/.344 with one home run and 21 stolen bases. Although he got off to a bit of a slow start, Revere performed extremely well in the second half, hitting .336/.378/.392.
The perfect fourth outfielder?
Revere played mostly left field last season, but he has a lot of experience playing center field as well. He could share playing time with both Mikie Mahtook in left field and JaCoby Jones in center. He has played right field in the past, too. However, slugger Nicholas Castellanos, who is coming off of his first 100-RBI season, figures to receive the bulk of the playing time in right next season.
Mahtook had a mini-breakout season for the Tigers last year, hitting .276/.330/.457 (105 OPS+) with 12 home runs. However, Jones is a bigger question mark. While Jones has been impressive on defense, he has struggled to hit at the big-league level. He has also swung and missed far too frequently, posting a 42.3 percent K rate over a total of 182 plate appearances with the Tigers between 2016-17.
Revere would give the Tigers another outfielder, an extra left-handed bat and a player with speed. In fulfilling a role as a fourth outfielder, he could also be a short-term solution while Mike Gerber, who was recently added to the 40-man roster, continues to develop in Triple-A Toledo.
Revere should also be an affordable player. That said, given the state of the rebuilding Tigers, Detroit may not be the most attractive destination for free agents right now. It is certainly possible that Revere could have a chance to sign with a team that has a better chance of winning, or perhaps even one that could offer him more playing time.
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Nevertheless, it would be worth the effort for the Detroit Tigers to try and sign Ben Revere. He could be the perfect fit as a fourth outfielder.