Which Detroit Tigers players should make the All-Star team?
Detroit Tigers fans might not see as many All-Star representatives as they have in years past.
The Tigers’ roster isn’t the star-studded variety of years past. But nonetheless, the team is outperforming expectations and has a number of standouts playing at a high level.
It remains to be seen just how many All-Stars will come from the Detroit Tigers, but there are certainly deserving candidates on Ron Gardenhire’s club.
Here’s a look at who could represent the club at the All-Star Game this summer in Washington.
Miguel Cabrera, First Base
Miguel Cabrera is looking more like Miguel Cabrera. The future Hall of Famer is having a resurgent season with a 0.9 fWAR in 120 plate apperances that has largely been fueled by a trademark-Cabrera stat line.
The home runs (three total entering play on Monday) are a bit down. However, Cabrera is still hitting .320 with a .408 on-base percentage, a .495 slugging percentage, a .383 wOBA, a 142 wRC+ and a 13.3 walk rate.
First base isn’t what is used to be in the Junior Circuit, so it could set up nicely for Cabrera to claim his 12th All-Star appearance.
Jeimer Candelario, Third Base
Adrian Beltre has missed some time, so there could be some room behind Jose Ramirez at third base on the American League squad.
In fact, Candelario has the second-highest fWAR among third baseman in the American League behind Ramirez and ahead of the likes of Alex Bregman, Miguel Andujar and Kyle Seager.
Nicholas Castellanos, Outfield
Castellanos has been a torrid hitter at the plate this season, finally seeming to put it all together at the dish.
The former first-round pick is hitting .336 with a .374 on-base percentage, a .648 slugging percentage, a .425 wOBA, a 169 wRC+ and a .257 ISO.
Only seven outfielders have a higher fWAR this season in the Junior Circuit.
The American League outfield picture should be a crowded one, but the converted third baseman is certainly deserving.
Among the outfielders with a lower fWAR include Mitch Haniger, Giancarlo Stanton, Michael Brantley, Justin Upton and Nomar Mazara.
Matthew Boyd, Starting Pitcher
Boyd, not Michael Fulmer or offseason signings Mike Fiers and Francisco Liriano, has been Detroit’s best starting pitcher this season.
He’s made 11 starts and owns a 3.23 ERA and a 3.85 FIP in 64 innings.
Boyd also paces the ballclub’s pitchers in fWAR. Like the outfield, there will be plenty of starting pitchers in the mix for a selection, but it wouldn’t be a total shock to see Boyd make it.
Joe Jimenez, Relief Pitcher
The Detroit Tigers’ best reliever this year, Jimenez might not have the flashy numbers like Josh Hader or Aroldis Chapman, but he’s been nonetheless effective.
Jimenez entered play Monday with a 0.9 fWAR that has only been bettered by Hader, Edwin Diaz, Chapman, Blake Treinen, Sean Doolittle, Adam Ottavino, Dan Winkler and Jeurys Familia in Major League Baseball. He’s also sitting on a 2.44 FIP and a 14.7% swinging strike percentage.
