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Meet the 2016 Tigers

Chris McCosky, The Detroit News Published 11:11 p.m. ET March 30, 2016 | Updated 5:39 a.m. ET March 31, 2016

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News profiles members of the 2016 Tigers team.

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News profiles members of the 2016 Tigers team. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

PITCHERS

PITCHERS Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Justin Verlander, RHP, age 33, 6-5, 235: A triceps injury cost him the first half of the season, but once he got healthy he proved he was still capable of anchoring a starting rotation. Over his last 11 starts he posted a 2.12 ERA and opponents hit just .194 against him. His fastball, again, was registering in the mid to upper 90s, but more importantly, he has become much more adept in the art of pitching. He studies scouting reports now and preys on hitter’s weaknesses.

Justin Verlander, RHP, age 33, 6-5, 235: A triceps injury cost him the first half of the season, but once he got healthy he proved he was still capable of anchoring a starting rotation. Over his last 11 starts he posted a 2.12 ERA and opponents hit just .194 against him. His fastball, again, was registering in the mid to upper 90s, but more importantly, he has become much more adept in the art of pitching. He studies scouting reports now and preys on hitter’s weaknesses. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Jordan Zimmermann, RHP, age 29, 6-2, 223: After some of the other deals signed by free-agent pitchers this offseason, the Tigers must feel the five-year, $110 million deal they gave Zimmermann was a bargain. A two-time all-star, he’s made at least 30 starts four straight years and has a career ERA of 3.32 with a 1.16 WHIP. This is a steady, dependable and productive starting pitcher.

Jordan Zimmermann, RHP, age 29, 6-2, 223: After some of the other deals signed by free-agent pitchers this offseason, the Tigers must feel the five-year, $110 million deal they gave Zimmermann was a bargain. A two-time all-star, he’s made at least 30 starts four straight years and has a career ERA of 3.32 with a 1.16 WHIP. This is a steady, dependable and productive starting pitcher. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Anibal Sanchez, RHP, age 32, 6-0, 205: Coming off a disastrous season where he battled shoulder soreness and allowed a career-worst 29 home runs, Sanchez was further set back this spring with triceps inflammation. But he has simplified his delivery, no longer turning his back to the plate, which has both reduced stress on his arm and given his pitches more downward action. It is critical for this rotation that Sanchez stay healthy and produce at least close to what he did in 2013 when he posted the league’s lowest ERA.

Anibal Sanchez, RHP, age 32, 6-0, 205: Coming off a disastrous season where he battled shoulder soreness and allowed a career-worst 29 home runs, Sanchez was further set back this spring with triceps inflammation. But he has simplified his delivery, no longer turning his back to the plate, which has both reduced stress on his arm and given his pitches more downward action. It is critical for this rotation that Sanchez stay healthy and produce at least close to what he did in 2013 when he posted the league’s lowest ERA. Robin Buckson / Detroit News

Mike Pelfrey, RHP, age 32, 6-7, 245: Coming off his first fully healthy offseason in four years, Pelfrey has had an impressive spring. When he is on his game, his hard sinker produces a lot of ground balls, which should play well for the Tigers. He also keeps the ball in the yard. He had the lowest home run rate in baseball last season. He may not make an all-star team but more often than not, he will compete and give the Tigers a chance to win games.

Mike Pelfrey, RHP, age 32, 6-7, 245: Coming off his first fully healthy offseason in four years, Pelfrey has had an impressive spring. When he is on his game, his hard sinker produces a lot of ground balls, which should play well for the Tigers. He also keeps the ball in the yard. He had the lowest home run rate in baseball last season. He may not make an all-star team but more often than not, he will compete and give the Tigers a chance to win games. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Shane Greene, RHP, age 27, 6-4, 215: He won the fifth starter spot last year and was unhittable for three starts. Then all hell broke loose for him. He began to feel tingling and numbness in his fingers, learned he had ulnar neuritis that ultimately required surgery to fix. He has come through it very well, with his fastball hitting 96 with a hard sinker. Toward the end of camp was on the verge of again winning the fifth rotation spot.

Shane Greene, RHP, age 27, 6-4, 215: He won the fifth starter spot last year and was unhittable for three starts. Then all hell broke loose for him. He began to feel tingling and numbness in his fingers, learned he had ulnar neuritis that ultimately required surgery to fix. He has come through it very well, with his fastball hitting 96 with a hard sinker. Toward the end of camp was on the verge of again winning the fifth rotation spot. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, age 34, 6-0, 180: He no longer has the upper-90s heater that earned him his nickname — K-Rod. But he’s earned a doctorate in the art of pitching. He is the game’s active saves leader with 386, he’s had the best save percentage in baseball and his WHIP has been under 1.00 the last two years. He may have the most effective change-up the game has seen since Trevor Hoffman.

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, age 34, 6-0, 180: He no longer has the upper-90s heater that earned him his nickname — K-Rod. But he’s earned a doctorate in the art of pitching. He is the game’s active saves leader with 386, he’s had the best save percentage in baseball and his WHIP has been under 1.00 the last two years. He may have the most effective change-up the game has seen since Trevor Hoffman. John Raoux, Associated Press

Mark Lowe, RHP, age 32, 6-3, 210: He’s been through every situation imaginable for a reliever – he’s gotten big outs in the postseason, he’s given up iconic home runs in the postseason (David Freese), he’s been shuttled back and forth from Triple A to the majors. But when healthy, as he is now, he has been one of the top setup men in the game. He’s still throwing a mid-90s fastball with a wipeout slider.

Mark Lowe, RHP, age 32, 6-3, 210: He’s been through every situation imaginable for a reliever – he’s gotten big outs in the postseason, he’s given up iconic home runs in the postseason (David Freese), he’s been shuttled back and forth from Triple A to the majors. But when healthy, as he is now, he has been one of the top setup men in the game. He’s still throwing a mid-90s fastball with a wipeout slider. John Raoux, Associated Press

Justin Wilson, LHP, age 28, 6-2, 210: A power lefty – the Tigers have long searched for this type of presence in their bullpen. In four seasons (three with the Pirates, last season with the Yankees), he struck out 193 in 199.1 innings. He’s also allowed just 11 career homers and posted a 1.20 WHIP. He is a no-frills competitor. He will attack hitters with a fastball that will get into the upper-90s.

Justin Wilson, LHP, age 28, 6-2, 210: A power lefty – the Tigers have long searched for this type of presence in their bullpen. In four seasons (three with the Pirates, last season with the Yankees), he struck out 193 in 199.1 innings. He’s also allowed just 11 career homers and posted a 1.20 WHIP. He is a no-frills competitor. He will attack hitters with a fastball that will get into the upper-90s. John Raoux, Associated Press

Blaine Hardy, LHP, age: 29, 6-2, 230: He’s been the club’s most trusted lefty in the pen the last two seasons, but he’s worn down in September both years. He may be used more in long relief this season, which suits his repertoire (he is a former starter). He may start the season on the DL with a shoulder impingement.

Blaine Hardy, LHP, age: 29, 6-2, 230: He’s been the club’s most trusted lefty in the pen the last two seasons, but he’s worn down in September both years. He may be used more in long relief this season, which suits his repertoire (he is a former starter). He may start the season on the DL with a shoulder impingement. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Alex Wilson, RHP, age 29, 6-0, 215: Easily the most consistent performer in the pen last season, and most versatile, Wilson has battled shoulder and lat ailments this spring. There is a good chance he will start the season on the DL and in extended spring training. He remains, though, a key piece of this bullpen and his spot awaits him when he is fully healthy.

Alex Wilson, RHP, age 29, 6-0, 215: Easily the most consistent performer in the pen last season, and most versatile, Wilson has battled shoulder and lat ailments this spring. There is a good chance he will start the season on the DL and in extended spring training. He remains, though, a key piece of this bullpen and his spot awaits him when he is fully healthy. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Drew VerHagen, RHP, age 25, 6-6, 240:
It was a back injury that forced the Tigers to move VerHagen to the bullpen, and it may have been a career-making move. In shorter stints, his fastball velocity is steady in the mid-90s and he is always in attack mode. He mixes in a knee-buckling curveball and change-up, but it’s the power stuff, coming hard on a downward plane from his 6-6 frame that makes him effective.

Drew VerHagen, RHP, age 25, 6-6, 240: It was a back injury that forced the Tigers to move VerHagen to the bullpen, and it may have been a career-making move. In shorter stints, his fastball velocity is steady in the mid-90s and he is always in attack mode. He mixes in a knee-buckling curveball and change-up, but it’s the power stuff, coming hard on a downward plane from his 6-6 frame that makes him effective. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Kyle Ryan, LHP, age 24, 6-5, 210: For the second straight year, Ryan has won a job with a dominant spring. The Tigers have mostly settled on using him as a reliever, which is where he is most comfortable. His fastball will get into the low-90s, but he is deceptive and everything he throws has movement. In fact, his stuff moves so much he at times has trouble commanding it. But he is an unflappable competitor.

Kyle Ryan, LHP, age 24, 6-5, 210: For the second straight year, Ryan has won a job with a dominant spring. The Tigers have mostly settled on using him as a reliever, which is where he is most comfortable. His fastball will get into the low-90s, but he is deceptive and everything he throws has movement. In fact, his stuff moves so much he at times has trouble commanding it. But he is an unflappable competitor. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Buck Farmer, RHP, age 25, 6-4, 225: He was in the battle for the fifth rotation spot until the last few weeks of camp, but he’s pitched well enough to be considered for a bullpen role. The Tigers could choose to keep him in the rotation at Toledo. He has added a cutter and went back to using his curveball, both with good results this spring.

Buck Farmer, RHP, age 25, 6-4, 225: He was in the battle for the fifth rotation spot until the last few weeks of camp, but he’s pitched well enough to be considered for a bullpen role. The Tigers could choose to keep him in the rotation at Toledo. He has added a cutter and went back to using his curveball, both with good results this spring. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

CATCHERS

CATCHERS Robin Buckson, Detroit News

James McCann, R-R, age 25, 6-2, 210: He took over as the team’s everyday catcher early last season and never looked back. He caught 112 games without making an error and threw out 41 percent of base stealers. He quickly won the respect and trust of a veteran pitching staff and emerged as one of the team’s leaders. Needs to take another step offensively, but has the potential to hit 15 to 20 homers.

James McCann, R-R, age 25, 6-2, 210: He took over as the team’s everyday catcher early last season and never looked back. He caught 112 games without making an error and threw out 41 percent of base stealers. He quickly won the respect and trust of a veteran pitching staff and emerged as one of the team’s leaders. Needs to take another step offensively, but has the potential to hit 15 to 20 homers. John Raoux, Associated Press

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, S-R, C, age 30, 6-4, 235: The Tigers acquired the veteran Saltalamacchia to add a left-handed bat to a heavily right-handed-hitting lineup. He has hit for power from the left side, but his production and playing time have fallen off the last two years. He made some adjustments last year in Arizona and finished strong. He’s hit the ball well in spring, as well.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, S-R, C, age 30, 6-4, 235: The Tigers acquired the veteran Saltalamacchia to add a left-handed bat to a heavily right-handed-hitting lineup. He has hit for power from the left side, but his production and playing time have fallen off the last two years. He made some adjustments last year in Arizona and finished strong. He’s hit the ball well in spring, as well. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

INFIELDERS

INFIELDERS Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Ian Kinsler, 2B, age 33, R-R, 6-0, 200: Because of his soldier-like approach to the game, his durability, his underappreciated range and skill in the field and his steady, dependable production at the plate, he’s as valuable a piece to this Tigers puzzle as anybody. Amidst all the chaos and tumult last season, it was Kinsler who stepped out of his comfort zone, took on a more vocal leadership role and kept the clubhouse from blowing apart.

Ian Kinsler, 2B, age 33, R-R, 6-0, 200: Because of his soldier-like approach to the game, his durability, his underappreciated range and skill in the field and his steady, dependable production at the plate, he’s as valuable a piece to this Tigers puzzle as anybody. Amidst all the chaos and tumult last season, it was Kinsler who stepped out of his comfort zone, took on a more vocal leadership role and kept the clubhouse from blowing apart. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Miguel Cabrera, 1B, age 32, R-R, 6-4, 240: For the first time in three years he had a completely healthy offseason. He’s come back stronger, especially in his legs, and is driving the ball with his usual authority. His stated goal is to stay healthy for a whole season, something he hasn’t done since 2012 – he won the Triple Crown that year.

Miguel Cabrera, 1B, age 32, R-R, 6-4, 240: For the first time in three years he had a completely healthy offseason. He’s come back stronger, especially in his legs, and is driving the ball with his usual authority. His stated goal is to stay healthy for a whole season, something he hasn’t done since 2012 – he won the Triple Crown that year. John Raoux, Associated Press

Nick Castellanos, 3B, age 24, R-R, 6-4, 210: He went through the worst hitting slump of his life last season, to the point where he was benched for three games, and came through it a smarter, better hitter. He was one of the team’s most consistent hitters in the final three months and continued to show improvement at third base. He has lost some of his upper body bulk, which has increased his mobility and agility in the field.

Nick Castellanos, 3B, age 24, R-R, 6-4, 210: He went through the worst hitting slump of his life last season, to the point where he was benched for three games, and came through it a smarter, better hitter. He was one of the team’s most consistent hitters in the final three months and continued to show improvement at third base. He has lost some of his upper body bulk, which has increased his mobility and agility in the field. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Jose Iglesias, SS, age 26, R-R, 5-11, 185: An athletically gifted shortstop, he’s had to learn some hard lessons about being a “team” player. He has vowed to make the necessary sacrifices and to focus more on making winning plays than individual goals. But, promises are easier to make in the spring than they are to keep through the grind of a long season. This is an all-star talent. Time will tell if he’s a winning player.

Jose Iglesias, SS, age 26, R-R, 5-11, 185: An athletically gifted shortstop, he’s had to learn some hard lessons about being a “team” player. He has vowed to make the necessary sacrifices and to focus more on making winning plays than individual goals. But, promises are easier to make in the spring than they are to keep through the grind of a long season. This is an all-star talent. Time will tell if he’s a winning player. Chris O'Meara, Associated Press

Andrew Romine, U, age 30, S-R, 6-1, 200: Last year, they asked him to be the emergency catcher. This year, he could end up playing in center field while Cameron Maybin mends. Romine continues to validate the word “super” in super-utility player. He plays every infield position and two outfield positions at a very high level. He also had a couple of hot stretches with the bat last year. Valuable contributor.

Andrew Romine, U, age 30, S-R, 6-1, 200: Last year, they asked him to be the emergency catcher. This year, he could end up playing in center field while Cameron Maybin mends. Romine continues to validate the word “super” in super-utility player. He plays every infield position and two outfield positions at a very high level. He also had a couple of hot stretches with the bat last year. Valuable contributor. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Mike Aviles, R-R, age 35, 5-10, 205: It’s unclear how manager Brad Ausmus will use both Romine and Aviles. They play the same positions. Romine is a better shortstop and second baseman; Aviles may have a slight edge at third base. Aviles is also more productive against left-handed pitching than the switch-hitting Romine. One thing is clear, though, the clubhouse is a healthier place with Aviles in it. True pro.

Mike Aviles, R-R, age 35, 5-10, 205: It’s unclear how manager Brad Ausmus will use both Romine and Aviles. They play the same positions. Romine is a better shortstop and second baseman; Aviles may have a slight edge at third base. Aviles is also more productive against left-handed pitching than the switch-hitting Romine. One thing is clear, though, the clubhouse is a healthier place with Aviles in it. True pro. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

OUTFIELDERS

OUTFIELDERS Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Justin Upton, LF, age 28, R-R, 6-2, 205: This was the icing on the cake for this particular roster. Instead of some type of platoon between Tyler Collins and Cameron Maybin, owner Mike Ilitch wanted an elite hitter in left field. So the Tigers now have Upton, who in the last three seasons averaged 27 homers and 84 RBIs. He will bat second in the lineup, which fits well with his .352 lifetime on-base percentage.

Justin Upton, LF, age 28, R-R, 6-2, 205: This was the icing on the cake for this particular roster. Instead of some type of platoon between Tyler Collins and Cameron Maybin, owner Mike Ilitch wanted an elite hitter in left field. So the Tigers now have Upton, who in the last three seasons averaged 27 homers and 84 RBIs. He will bat second in the lineup, which fits well with his .352 lifetime on-base percentage. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

J.D. Martinez, RF, age 28, R-R, 6-3, 221: He proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder last year, making the All-Star team, winning a Silver Slugger award, being named Tiger of the Year, and leading the club in homers and RBIs. He’s also made himself into a Gold Glove finalist in right, with 15 outfield assists. A window into his character: Despite all his personal success, he said he didn’t much enjoy last season. “Losing stinks,” he said.

J.D. Martinez, RF, age 28, R-R, 6-3, 221: He proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder last year, making the All-Star team, winning a Silver Slugger award, being named Tiger of the Year, and leading the club in homers and RBIs. He’s also made himself into a Gold Glove finalist in right, with 15 outfield assists. A window into his character: Despite all his personal success, he said he didn’t much enjoy last season. “Losing stinks,” he said. John Raoux, Associated Press

Anthony Gose, CF, age 25, L-L, 6-1, 190: There were ups and downs, as expected, but Gose steadily improved and matured as a player through his first full season. He proved what the Tigers suspected, he can be a productive everyday center fielder in the big leagues. He still needs to make more contact at the plate – which is why he’s adding the bunt to his offensive arsenal – and utilize his speed. But he produced above expectations.

Anthony Gose, CF, age 25, L-L, 6-1, 190: There were ups and downs, as expected, but Gose steadily improved and matured as a player through his first full season. He proved what the Tigers suspected, he can be a productive everyday center fielder in the big leagues. He still needs to make more contact at the plate – which is why he’s adding the bunt to his offensive arsenal – and utilize his speed. But he produced above expectations. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

$Cameron Maybin, CF, age 29, R-R, 6-3, 215: He was supposed to battle Gose for the starting job in center, but first a shoulder injury then a fractured wrist kept him off the field most of the spring. He is expected to open the season on the DL. Once healthy, the Tigers could have a productive platoon in center field with the right-handed-hitting Maybin and lefty Gose.$

Cameron Maybin, CF, age 29, R-R, 6-3, 215: He was supposed to battle Gose for the starting job in center, but first a shoulder injury then a fractured wrist kept him off the field most of the spring. He is expected to open the season on the DL. Once healthy, the Tigers could have a productive platoon in center field with the right-handed-hitting Maybin and lefty Gose. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Tyler Collins, RF, LF, CF, age 25, L-L, 5-11, 215: He could make the Opening Day roster as a fill-in for Maybin. He got extra work in center field during spring training and seemed to take well to the position. He also offers something the Tigers don’t have much of – a power left-handed bat. He performed well in some rare extended playing time at the end of last season. He could also make the club as a makeshift DH if Victor Martinez isn’t ready.

Tyler Collins, RF, LF, CF, age 25, L-L, 5-11, 215: He could make the Opening Day roster as a fill-in for Maybin. He got extra work in center field during spring training and seemed to take well to the position. He also offers something the Tigers don’t have much of – a power left-handed bat. He performed well in some rare extended playing time at the end of last season. He could also make the club as a makeshift DH if Victor Martinez isn’t ready. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Wynton Bernard, CF, age 25, R-R, 6-2, 200: Another candidate to fill in for Maybin in a short-term stay. Bernard, who has not played about Double A, is a true center fielder and has above average speed, for use as a pinch runner late in games. He also hits right-handed, which would complement Gose. But the bulk of his duty will be at Triple A Toledo this season.

Wynton Bernard, CF, age 25, R-R, 6-2, 200: Another candidate to fill in for Maybin in a short-term stay. Bernard, who has not played about Double A, is a true center fielder and has above average speed, for use as a pinch runner late in games. He also hits right-handed, which would complement Gose. But the bulk of his duty will be at Triple A Toledo this season. Chris O'Meara, Associated Press

DESIGNATED HITTER

DESIGNATED HITTER Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Victor Martinez, S-R, age 37, 6-2, 210: Here we go again. Martinez had his 2015 season ruined by a weakened left knee. Midway through what was a productive spring camp, Martinez strained his left hamstring. Once again, like last year, there is uncertainty whether he will start the season on time. There’s no way to understate his importance. He is a career .300 hitter from both sides of the plate. Nobody protects Cabrera better than he does. He’s also one of the team’s leaders and his ability to lead is weakened if he’s not playing.

Victor Martinez, S-R, age 37, 6-2, 210: Here we go again. Martinez had his 2015 season ruined by a weakened left knee. Midway through what was a productive spring camp, Martinez strained his left hamstring. Once again, like last year, there is uncertainty whether he will start the season on time. There’s no way to understate his importance. He is a career .300 hitter from both sides of the plate. Nobody protects Cabrera better than he does. He’s also one of the team’s leaders and his ability to lead is weakened if he’s not playing. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

MANAGER

MANAGER Robin Buckson, Detroit News

Brad Ausmus, third year, age 46: In the face of loudly negative public opinion, general manager Al Avila boldly gave Ausmus a stay of execution last season. He wasn’t going to make Ausmus the fall guy for the injuries and a faulty bullpen. Ausmus deserves credit for keeping a cool head through all the storms last year, for maintaining the trust and respect of the players and for the way the team continued to play hard to the bitter end — especially after the squad was gutted at the trade deadline. You don’t survive a year like that without coming out a smarter, more capable leader. That said, Avila will expect results with a revamped bullpen and roster.

Brad Ausmus, third year, age 46: In the face of loudly negative public opinion, general manager Al Avila boldly gave Ausmus a stay of execution last season. He wasn’t going to make Ausmus the fall guy for the injuries and a faulty bullpen. Ausmus deserves credit for keeping a cool head through all the storms last year, for maintaining the trust and respect of the players and for the way the team continued to play hard to the bitter end — especially after the squad was gutted at the trade deadline. You don’t survive a year like that without coming out a smarter, more capable leader. That said, Avila will expect results with a revamped bullpen and roster. Robin Buckson, Detroit News

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Chris McCosky of The Detroit News profiles 2016 Tigers team members.

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