AL Central: Who is the top right fielder?
By Brett Pnazek
No. 1: J.D. Martinez (Detroit Tigers)
Mar 10, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder J.D. Martinez (28) pops out to second during a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Batting Average: .315
Home Runs: 23
Runs Batted In: 76
Steals: 6
Offensive Wins Above Replacement: 4.2
Defensive Wins Above Replacement: -.5
Martinez is No. 1 on this list mainly because of what we saw last year.
His 2014 is what White Sox fans would like from Garcia and Indians fans hope Moss can do. He posted career highs in all the significant categories by a significant margin. The main question is whether he can replicate this season or whether it was an anomaly. Martinez get plenty of opportunities to knock in runs hitting behind Cabrera and Martinez and possibly Cespedes.
Martinez posted the best OWar of all the right fielders on this list. Like the others he posted he a negative DWar. He’ll never be a gold glover, but the offensive numbers will help alleviate any offensive concerns.
The Tigers don’t have much depth in the outfield and their farm system is one of the worse. Even if there is regression in his numbers it would take a lot for Martinez to lose his spot in the outfield. Opportunities will be plentiful for Martinez as he will have 2 of the best hitters in the game hitting in front of him which should produce RBI opportunities.
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