The World Series may have only just ended, but the offseason is already udnerway. On Thursday, the Detroit Tigers traded outfielder Cameron Maybin to the Los Angeles Angels. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports was first to report the deal. In return, the Tigers will get minor-league right-handed pitcher Victor Alcantara.
Sources: Maybin getting traded to #Angels, who will pick up his option.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 3, 2016
Tigers Trade Cameron Maybin to Angels
Maybin, 29, is coming off a season in which injuries limited him to just 94 games. However, when healthy, he was the Tigers regular center fielder and was productive at the plate. He hit .315 with and .801 OPS, good for a healthy 1.9 WAR. He also swiped fifteen bases.
While injuries have plagued him in three of the past four seasons, Maybin can be a useful addition to a lineup. He’s a career .259 hitter, and though he has never had much power, he can hit 20+ doubles per season if healthy, as he did in 2011 and 2012, and almost in 2015. He’s also a threat to steal In 2012 and 2015, his last two healthy seasons, he stole 26 and 23 bags, respectively. In 2011, he stole a whopping 40.
Though a natural center fielder, Maybin will probably play right field for the Angels. Mike Trout will remain in center. Maybin is eligible for free agency following the 2017 season.
Maybin likely will play LF for #Angels. Trout will remain in center.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 3, 2016
On the other end of the deal, the Tigers get a young righty in Alcantra. The 23-year-old owns a career 4.60 ERA and a 1.78 K/BB ratio across five years in the minors. Though it seems unlikely that he will develop into anything spectacular, he could be a spot relief option down the road. He throws hard, but can’t control it. There is still time for him to figure it out.
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