MLB rumors: Five potential fits in Tigers' outfield

Alec Brzezinski

MLB rumors: Five potential fits in Tigers' outfield image

We've heard it before: A general manager makes a move, then says its unlikely the team will add someone else. But in baseball's ever-moving offseason, nothing is ever as it seems.

The Tigers have become famous over the past decade for making a litany of moves either via trade or splashing in free agency. And even though Detroit fired its dealer, Dave Dombrowski, new general manager Al Avila has picked up where he left off.

MORE: Eight AL stars primed for off-season moves | NL stars who could be on the move

The Tigers have already traded for closer Francisco Rodriguez and outfielder Cameron Maybin, but there are still holes on a team trying to win a World Series now.

Avila claims the team won't add another outfielder, according to MLive.com, but we highly doubt Tigers owner Mike Ilitch is satisfied with the current starting trio of J.D. Martinez, Maybin and either Tyler Collins or Anthony Gose.

So, for argument's sake, let's take a look at five candidates who could fill Detroit's void in right field:

Jason Heyward, 26, free agent — Heyward could end up being the most expensive outfielder on the market considering his age and defensive abilities. Yet, Detroit has the money to spend if the team feels he's an ideal fit. Heyward carried a .293/.359/.797 slash line into the playoffs last season with 13 home runs, 60 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. However, health is a concern.

Brett Gardner, 32, Yankees — Gardner is coming off a classic Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde season and it appears the Yankees have deemed him surplus in their aging outfield. Despite the poor second half, Gardner is still the type of player who can help a team win as a plus defender who hit 16 home runs and stole 20 bases last season. The Tigers could send disappointing but talented minor league outfielder Steven Moya, 24, over to New York in return.

Gerardo Parra, 28, free agent — This is probably Detroit's best option. Parra is coming off two solid seasons and will be more financially feasible (Detroit still needs starting pitchers) than some of the other outfielders on the market. Parra hit .291 with 14 home runs, 51 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 155 games last season. He would bring plus defense and could bat leadoff for the Tigers.

Yoenis Cespedes, 30, free agent — Yes, it's possible the Cuban slugger returns to the Tigers even though they traded him less than five months ago. Cespedes, by all accounts, enjoyed his time in Detroit and would be welcomed back by fans. If Cespedes were to return, he would likely be handed center field with Maybin sliding over to right, or vise versa. 

Ryan Raburn, 34, free agent — Raburn is another ex-Tiger but didn't enjoy the same level of success as Cespedes. However, the Tigers have seemingly bought into the whole platoon thing, so Raburn, who hit .325 with eight home runs and 25 RBIs in 151 at bats against lefties last season, would make a perfect platoon option with Gose, who can only hit right-handed pitching.

Alec Brzezinski