Detroit Tigers additions and subtractions
Key additions: Mike Fiers, Derek Norris, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Francisco Liriano
Newcomer to watch: Mike Fiers. There is one thing that can be said for Mike Fiers – he takes the ball every fifth day.
The Astros leader in starts and innings last season, Fiers signed a one year deal with the Detroit Tigers, earning $6 million. Last season, Fiers posted a mediocre 8-10 record with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.428 WHiP, striking out 146 batters and issuing 62 walks in his 153.1 innings last season. Considering that was how he performed on the eventual World Series winners, his performance in Detroit could be frightening.
Signed to be part of a bridge to the future, Fiers is likely to be traded at the deadline if he can be somewhat functional in the rotation. However, there are already concerns that those hopes may not happen. He is likely to miss the first couple of weeks in April with back issues, making an already risky pitcher all the more questionable.
Notable losses: Ian Kinsler, Anibal Sanchez
Biggest loss: Ian Kinsler. He may not be the hitter he once was, but Kinsler was still a valuable player for the Tigers.
Age caught up with Kinsler last season, as he produced a career-worst .236/.313/.412 batting line. However, he still flashed his power and speed, hitting 22 homers and stealing 14 bases. Kinsler was also solid in the field once again, showing above average range and providing an excellent glove at second.
In his place, the Tigers are slated to turn to Dixon Machado. A utility infielder last season, he flashed a solid glove at second, but his offensive production was woeful. As much as Kinsler struggled with the bat, Machado posted a .259/.302/.319 batting line, worth an OPS+ of 65. The Detroit Tigers trade of Kinsler made sense, but they will certainly miss his presence both in the lineup and in the field.