5 X-Factors For The Detroit Tigers Season Going Into 2015

J.D. Martinez‘s Bat

Sep 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a single in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014 J.D. Martinez had what any sports fan would call a breakout season. After tearing it up in Triple-AAA Toledo throughout April, Martinez received the call-up to the Majors and never looked back.

He was waived by the Houston Astros and the Tigers swiftly picked him. He would go on to reward them with a startling slash line of .315/.358/.553/.912 and was one of the premier corner outfield bats in the Majors.

Detroit Tigers

The most exciting part about his breakout season though might have been when he struggled. He would go on to have a stretch mid-season where he had a few bumps and bruises.

In August he hit .265/.304/.419/.723 only to bounce back in September/October to the tune of .354/.411/.594/1.005. That type of adjustment should have Tigers fans optimistic going into 2015.

It proves that he has the skill set to adjust to Major League pitching once they adjust to him. Looks like that tweak FanGraphs noticed before 2014 really made a difference for him.

While expecting Martinez to duplicate his crazy 2014 would be unwise he should not completely fall of a cliff in terms of production.

With news that Cabrera and Victor Martinez might be injured to start the season, players like Martinez will be needed to pick up the slack once Opening Day hits. If he catches fire to start the season Tigers fans may not even notice the absence of their superstars for a series or two.

Just like Verlander, Martinez doing well and replicating somewhere close to his 2014 will go a long way for them. Where he hits in the lineup is still up for question but he’ll solidify that spot marvelously with his bat.

Next: The Middle Infielders