Detroit Tigers Reportedly Sign Alex Presley to Minors Deal
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila reportedly added more depth to the team. Per the latest report, outfielder Alex Presley has rejoined the organization on a minor league deal.
Detroit Tigers fans have already seen Cameron Maybin depart this offseason, with the veteran moving to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim via trade.
However, one familiar face could be rejoining the team.
According to the latest report from SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo, the Tigers have brought outfielder Alex Presley back into the fold.
The reporter tweeted on Monday, “Tigers re-sign OF Alex Presley to a minor-league deal with spring training invite, source tells SB Nation.”
Presley previously appeared in three games for Detroit in 2016, registering a single in five at-bats.
Able to play all three outfield spots, the 31-year-old has appeared in 379 games over the course of seven seasons in the Majors.
Originally an eighth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006, the veteran hit .261 with a .718 OPS in 204 games for the National League Central franchise.
Presley’s best season as a pro came with the Pirates in 2011 when he batted .298 with a .339 on-base percentage.
The outfielder also added 27 runs scored, 20 RBI, 12 doubles, nine stolen bases, six triples and four home runs in just 52 games played.
All told, his WAR that season was 1.1.
Presley’s Career After Leaving Pittsburgh
Since wrapping up his four-year stint in Pittsburgh, Presley has suited up for the Twins, Astros, Brewers and Tigers. In fact, he was dealt from the Pirates to Minnesota with a player to be named later for longtime Twins first baseman Justin Morneau.
The former Pirate joined Milwaukee last offseason. He would go on to appear in 47 games with the Brewers before catching on with Detroit.
In those 47 games, Presley hit .198 with a .271 batting average. He collected just 12 runs scored, 11 RBI, three home runs and a pair of doubles.
While those numbers aren’t anything to write home about, the veteran did bat .313 with a solid .381 batting average in the minor leagues.
Jun 15, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Alex Presley (15) hits the ball during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports
Over the span of 52 games played in the minors last year, Presley collected 32 runs scored, 20 RBI, 13 doubles, six stolen bases, four triples and four home runs.
Potential Role With the Detroit Tigers
As it stands, Presley looks like a quality depth option for Detroit.
Avila is certainly building depth, with Juan Perez reportedly representing another minor league signing in the outfield.
Seeing as Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez are currently penciled in as the starters in the outfield corners, Presley and Perez will likely join a handful of other outfielders as candidates to make the Major League roster.
Tyler Collins, Anthony Gose and JaCoby Jones are all options in center field and as bench cogs for the Tigers. What’s more, the likes of Upton and Andrew Romine can also play center on occasion.
While he isn’t a center fielder, Steven Moya figures to be in the mix for a bench spot should Upton and Martinez stick around.
Minor league free agent Omar Infante also has past experience playing in the outfield.
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