MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Most Underrated Detroit Tigers Heading Into 2015

5 Most Underrated Detroit Tigers Heading Into 2015

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2015 season, the Detroit Tigers are loaded with talent once again. Obviously, everyone is aware of names such as Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, David Price and Justin Verlander. However, the Tigers also have other players who may not get quite as much attention as they deserve. Without further ado, here are the five most underrated Tigers heading into the 2015 season.

5. Jose Iglesias

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jose Iglesias

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

After missing the entire 2014 season, the Tigers are hopeful that Jose Iglesias with reclaim his role as the team's starting shortstop in 2015. Back in 2013, Iglesias put his acrobatic defensive abilities on display while splitting the year between the Boston Red Sox and Tigers, and he also surprised some by posting a .303 batting average. Still just 25 years of age, don't be surprised if we have yet to see the best of Iglesias.

4. Alex Avila

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Alex Avila

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Alex Avila has not come close to being the hitter he was in 2011 and many fans have grown tired of his strikeouts, he is still a very good ballplayer. Avila grades out as one of the better defensive catchers in the league, and his .358 career OBP against right-handed pitching speaks for itself. Plus, he has also managed to be one of the Tigers' better performers in the clutch as well.

3. Al Alburquerque

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Al Alburquerque

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

For as much as the Tigers' bullpen struggled in 2014, posting a 4.29 ERA that ranked fourth worst in the majors, Al Alburquerque had a pretty nice year. The 28-year-old right-hander went 3-1 with a 2.51 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Yet, for some reason, he doesn't get much press.

2. Ian Kinsler

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ian Kinsler

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In his first year with the Tigers, it would be fair to say that Ian Kinsler exceeded expectations. Yes, his bat cooled off in the second half, but he still slashed a very solid .275/.307/420 in a 5.4 fWAR campaign. His defense was particularly impressive as his 13.0 UZR ranked second among all qualified second basemen in MLB, trailing only Dustin Pedroia. While some worried he might be on the decline, he is still one of the league's premier 2Bs.

1. Anibal Sanchez

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Anibal Sanchez

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past two seasons, Anibal Sanchez has been one of the most underrated pitchers in all of baseball. Since the beginning of 2013, he has gone 22-13 with a 2.93 ERA, 2.52 FIP and a 1.13 WHIP while being worth 9.6 fWAR. He has perhaps been overshadowed by some of the other big names that have been in the Tigers' rotation, but maybe this is the year where he shows everyone just how good he can be.

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