The 2017 mid-season trades brought in a slew of new infield prospects into the Tigers system. The arrival of Jemier Candelario (3B) from the Cubs bumped Nick Castellanos into the outfield. Candelario had a strong September, hitting .330 /.406/.468, 2 HRs and 13 RBIs in just 27 games. He is seen as a long term everyday player in the Tigers lineup.
The Ian Kinsler trade opens up the 2B spot, which will likely be filled by Dixon Machado in 2018. Machado played 73 games in Detroit last season and was named the 2017 Tigers Rookie of the Year. Veterans Miguel Cabrera (1B) and Jose Iglesias (SS) will remain as one of the few familiar faces in the Tigers infield. Cabrera will potentially play out his career in Detroit, but Iglesias (only 28) may draw some interest on the trade market.
The future of the Tigers middle infield is showing promise within the farm system and it may not be long before some of these guys arrive in Detroit.
Isaac Paredes 2B/SS (#9 Tigers Prospect – MLB, #7 Tigers Prospect – Baseball America)
Age: 18
Acquired: 2017 Avila / Wilson trade with Cubs (Mexico)
2017 Stats: .252 BA, .725 OPS, 11 HRs, 70 RBIs (South Bend / West Michigan)
Notes: Paredes has made a good impression upon his arrival in West Michigan and posted strong numbers in the Mexican Winter League as well. It’s his approach at the plate that’s drawing attention, proving to be a good contact hitter with capability for power. Not yet 19 years old, Paredes could prove to be a hidden gem in the Tigers 2017 mid-season trades and starting to be seen as the future at 2B.
Dawel Lugo SS/3B (#15 Tigers Prospect – MLB, #8 Tigers Prospect – Baseball America)
Age: 23
Acquired: 2017 JD Martinez trade with Arizona (Dominican Republic)
2017 Stats: .277 BA, .746 OPS, 13 HRs, 65 RBIs (Jacksonville / Erie)
Notes: Lugo posted strong numbers at the plate in Double-A this season and is expected to begin the season in Toledo, but there seem to be some concerns about his glove and where he fits in the Tigers lineup. Baseball America indicates that as Miguel Cabrera ages, Candelario may make the move to 1B, opening a spot for Lugo at 3B.
Sergio Alcantara SS (#25 Tigers Prospect – MLB)
Age: 21
Acquired: 2017 JD Martinez trade with Arizona (Dominican Republic)
2017 Stats: .266 BA, .673 OPS, 3 HRs, 36 RBIs, 15 SBs (Visalia / Lakeland)
Alvario Gonzalez SS (#30 Tigers Prospect – MLB, #23 Overall International Prospect – MLB)
Age: 17
Acquired: Signed in July 2017 (Venezuela)
2017 Stats: N/A
The club’s strategy in the infield, like most positions, seems to be; bring in a number of young talented players, allow them to develop and compete for openings. Additionally, it seems as if their current position has not restricted the Tigers thinking in terms of where they may eventually end up. It should be interesting to see who rises to the top.
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