Detroit Tigers: Five Players Who Need to Bounce Back in 2017

By Matt Snyder | Feb 20, 2017

Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter James McCann (34) celebrates with left fielder Justin Upton (left) and right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) after hitting a three run home run in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Iglesias

Jose Iglesias’ number one job as a member of the Tigers is to be an above average defender at shortstop, one of the most demanding positions on the diamond. He filled that role admirably in 2016 but saw his offensive number dip to their lowest point in his three full seasons as a major league player.

As a bottom-of-the-order hitter, doesn’t need to see his OPS rise back into the 700s to be reasonably productive for his batting slot, but he will need to last season’s .648 OPS mark. The average American League hitter batting in the seventh, eighth, or ninth spots (excluding pitchers) hit for a .681 OPS.

A total batting line in that range, combined with his usual excellent defense, will make Iglesias a three WAR player. It wouldn’t get him All-Star recognition or anything, but he’d help to add an extra win or two for the Tigers over their 2016 finish (and when you’re battling for Wild Card position, every extra win is huge).

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