Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers: Six Moves That Will Help Detroit Make the Playoffs in 2017

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers players saw the team’s season end in disappointing fashion as Detroit missed the playoffs. Here are six moves the Tigers can make to reach the postseason when the calendar turns to 2017.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila reloaded instead of rebuilding the team’s roster last offseason.

In his first winter in charge, Avila signed the likes of Justin Upton and Jordan Zimmermann, while bringing in Justin Wilson, Cameron Maybin and Francisco Rodriguez via trade.

What was particularly encouraging about the moves was that Avila executed them without surrendering any top prospects or vital Major League pieces. He also moved on from a number of fringe players.

With the Tigers built for contending, but falling just short in 2016, Avila will need to pull off a similar reloading effort ahead of next season.

This time around, Detroit may not hand out multiple contracts with values eclipsing $100 million, but they’ll no doubt be active.

Because of said contracts and other previous salary commitments, Detroit will need to be creative in clearing cap space and acquiring Major League talent.

Here are five moves the Detroit Tigers can make in order to help the club reach the playoffs in 2017.

Sep 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) pitches in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Trade Mark Lowe, Wynton Bernard and Joe Mantiply to Colorado for Double-A pitcher Jerry Vasto

In this potential trade, the Detroit Tigers would get out of Lowe’s salary for the future while also making room on the team’s 40-man roster. From Colorado’s perspective, the Rockies acquire a reliever to potentially replace Boone Logan while also netting two young pieces.

Win-win, right?

What could be even more appealing to Colorado is that Lowe is on an expiring deal. The Rockies could try to rebuild his value and move him at the deadline for some kind of prospect return.

Additionally, both Mantiply and Bernard are buried on the organizational depth chart.

Moving the 25-year-old Mantiply, who was tagged for seven hits, five runs, two walks and a home run in just 2.2 innings last year, would create a 40-man roster spot. Detroit could use that spot to take a flier on a player who hits the waiver wire.

Meanwhile, there are seven outfielders ahead of Bernard on the organizational depth chart. In addition to Detroit’s starting trio, Tyler Collins, JaCoby Jones and Steven Moya are all ahead of the fleet-footed Bernard.

With Andrew Romine able to handle the outfield and Mike Gerber closing fast on the former Padres farmhand, the Tigers could conceivably decide to move Bernard for something of value.

Jerry Vasto

A 24th-round pick of the Rockies back in 2014, the 24-year-old Vasto was only promoted to Double-A part of the way through last season.

Despite that, he’s posted intriguing numbers in the low minors. The left-hander owns a career rate of 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings, and just 0.4 home runs allowed per nine frames. He’s also logged a 2.58 career ERA and walked just 42 batters in 115 innings.

With a number of arms blocking Vasto in Colorado’s system, the Rockies may be more inclined to deal him.

Sep 15, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) takes the ball to relieve starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Trade Mike Pelfrey and prospects Dominic Ficociello and Austin Kubitza to San Diego for Double-A shortstop Josh Van Meter

The Padres are rebuilding and need starting pitching. With Pelfrey on an expiring contract, he could be a fit for San Diego, especially with his tendency to induce ground balls.

As it stands, Collin Rea, Tyson Ross, Robbie Erlin and Erik Johnson are all facing stints on the sidelines due to injury. What’s more, Clayton Richard and Edwin Jackson are both slated to hit free agency once the World Series begins.

With Jon Jay and Carlos Villanueva also set to become a free agents, the Padres will certainly have the money to absorb Pelfrey’s salary. Just as with Colorado, they could look to rebuild Pelfrey’s value before dealing him for more future pieces at the deadline.

Breaking Down the Deal

Detroit may have to part with more pieces in order to unload Pelfrey’s contract. In Ficociello and Kubitza, the Padres receive two players who they can add to help boost their farm system.

Ficociello plays first base, second base and third base. However, he is blocked at each position. Meanwhile, Kubitza has transitioned to the bullpen after initially starting games. Like Pelfrey, his ground-ball inducing ability would play well in spacious Petco Park.

Detroit wouldn’t just be getting salary relief in this potential deal, the Tigers would also acquire Josh Van Meter. A 21-year-old middle infielder and a fifth-round pick from 2013, Van Meter hit just .251 in 124 games split between Advanced-A and Double-A last season.

Despite the uninspiring batting average, the player did collect 56 RBI, 23 doubles, 14 home runs, 11 stolen bases and a pair of triples.

He also posted a .331 on-base percentage, but is blocked in the San Diego system by Javier Guerra, Luis Urias, Jose Rondon, Carlos Asuaje, Luis Almanzar, Gabriel Arias, and Ruddy Giron among others.

His ability to stuff the stat sheet is certainly intriguing, and could pay dividends down the road.

Jul 7, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brett Cecil (27) delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Sign Brett Cecil and Kenley Jansen

With all the money saved dealing Pelfrey and Lowe, the Tigers can reinvest some of it in the team’s bullpen. Al Avila’s initial attempt to reshape the unit provided mixed results. However, Justin Wilson and Francisco Rodriguez both look like important pieces moving forward.

Adding Cecil and Jansen to the mix would give Detroit a potentially elite bullpen, especially if Bruce Rondon and Joe Jimenez continue to develop.

As outlined in a previous article, Toronto may have other fish to fry with Edwin Encarnacion, Michael Saunders and Jose Bautista set to hit free agency. The Blue Jays have plenty of other controllable, late-inning arms in Roberto Osuna, Joe Biagini and Ryan Tepera, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see Cecil depart.

Should he sign with Detroit, there is plenty to like about Cecil.

The reliever posted has turned in a SIERA under 3.00 in each of the last four seasons, while striking out 11.5 batters per nine innings over the same span. He’d be an excellent seventh or eighth inning option to compliment Francisco Rodriguez and Jansen.

Kenley Jansen

The Detroit Tigers should sign Kenley Jansen and retain Francisco Rodriguez.

Detroit could use both pitchers in closing situations, but more importantly, Brad Ausmus could either reliever earlier in the game. If the most important three outs happen to come in the seventh inning of a game, Ausmus can turn to a closer in the situation.

Utilizing Jansen in the same way Cleveland has used Andrew Miller could be devastating—at least for opposing hitters.

May 26, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Dixon Machado (49) and second baseman Hernan Perez (26) react after defeating the Oakland Athletics 1-0 at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Acquire Hernan Perez

Yes, the very same Hernan Perez who Detroit lost on waivers to the Milwaukee Brewers. Since leaving the Motor City, Perez has flourished in the National League Central. The former Tiger developed into a player capable of contributing at multiple positions on defense while also stealing plenty of bases.

Turns out, those are two areas where the Detroit Tigers need help—defensive help and stealing bases.

Despite Perez still being under team control, it wouldn’t be too much of a shock to see the club make a move. Just last offseason, the Brewers dealt a number of young pieces in Luis Sardinas, Jean Segura and Khris Davis for even younger prospects.

Additionally, Milwaukee’s infield is full with Johnathan Villar, Orlando Arcia and Scooter Gennett filling the three non-first base positions. This has forced Perez to right field.

The Brewers will eventually have to make room for Lewis Brinson and Brett Phillips, who are both nearing the Major Leagues. Trent Clark and Ryan Cordell could also command roster spots in the future. With Ryan Braun still playing left, it wouldn’t be too much of a shock to see Perez dealt.

Potential Fit With the Tigers

He’d be excellent in Detroit as the team’s primary option off the bench.

Able to play third base, shortstop, second base, right field and center field, Perez could play on a near-daily basis with the Tigers. This would give Brad Ausmus to routinely rest players and keep them fresh over the course of the season.

In 123 games for Milwaukee last season, Perez batted .272 with a .302 on-base percentage, contributing 56 RBI, 50 runs scored, 34 stolen bases, 18 doubles, 13 home runs and three stolen bases. The infielder also contributed a 6.0 BsR.

Apr 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) is out at second base as Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first base during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Clear 40-man Roster Space in Order to Take Fliers on Players

Ok, so maybe this isn’t one exact transaction, but the Detroit Tigers need to start taking fliers on players.

Baseball’s best teams are constantly taking fliers on players. If the player isn’t a fit, the club simply designates them for assignment and moves on to another option.

This is extremely relevant in the playoffs.

As it stands, key members of clubs left in the postseason were acquired in relatively minor deals.

Recent Examples

Cleveland relief ace Dan Otero (1.53 ERA, 2.33 FIP in 70.2 innings) was claimed on waivers by both Philadelphia and Cleveland last offseason.

Meanwhile, Dodgers third baseman and 4.9 WAR performer Justin Turner (who also had 90 RBI in 2016) signed as a free agent with Los Angeles in early February of 2014. Lastly, Cubs reliever Hector Rondon (3.50 FIP, 18 saves in 54 games) moved to the Windy City via the Rule 5 draft during the 2012 offseason.

The Detroit Tigers themselves are no stranger to taking fliers on players and seeing the transactions pay off. J.D. Martinez is obviously the most prominent example of this, but Blaine Hardy and Al Alburquerque also turned in quality displays after joining in relatively minor deals.

As of now, there are potentially nine players on the Tigers 40-man roster who could be moved to make space.

These include Anthony Gose, Casey McGehee, Anibal Sanchez, Pelfrey, Lowe, Dustin Molleken, Warwick Saupold and Mantiply.