MLB Detroit Tigers

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Detroit Tigers Breakout Candidates

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Detroit Tigers Breakout Candidates

JDandNick
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It is hard to believe, but the early days of spring training are already upon us. When it comes to the Detroit Tigers, they still have a star-studded cast of characters such as Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, David Price and Justin Verlander, but there will always be room for an unlikely hero to emerge. Last season, that player was J.D. Martinez. So without further ado, here are the Tigers' top five breakout candidates heading into 2015.

5. Al Alburquerque

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Al Alburquerque

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, Al Alburquerque was without a doubt one of the Tigers' better relievers, but he still wasn't the same guy who posted a 13.92 K/9 with a 1.3 fWAR all the way back in 2011. He seemed to be a different pitcher in 2014 as he walked fewer batters but also struck out fewer batters. His famous slider still generated a 20.2 percent swinging strike percentage, however. With the talent he has, Alburquerque can still take his game to new heights.

4. Josh Zeid

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Josh Zeid

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason, the Tigers made a rather under-the-radar move in claiming Josh Zeid off of waivers from the Houston Astros as part of the effort to address their bullpen situation. Although health was a factor, Zeid was only 0-1 with a 5.21 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP in two seasons with the Astros. However, if the soon-to-be 28-year-old Zeid can stay injury-free, he and his mid-90s fastball may be poised for a breakout season in MoTown.

3. Anthony Gose

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Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

3. Anthony Gose

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Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2014-15 offseason, one of the Tigers' primary goals was to shore up the center field position, and they wasted little time in accomplishing that goal by trading for Anthony Gose. At this point in his career, however, the speedy Gose has been more glove than bat at the big league level. He did, however, slash a decent .256/.333/.378 with a little bit of pop in the minor leagues, so don't be shocked if his bat finally comes around.

2. Shane Greene

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Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

2. Shane Greene

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Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Although there are some concerns about the Tigers' starting rotation after losing Max Scherzer to free agency and trading Rick Porcello, the newly acquired Shane Greene may be poised to deliver a pleasant surprise. Last season, during his rookie campaign, Greene had a 50.2 percent ground-ball rate and posted a 1.2 fWAR in 78.2 innings of work with the New York Yankees. Perhaps the now 26-year-old was merely getting warmed up.

1. Nick Castellanos

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Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Nick Castellanos

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Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

While Nick Castellanos had a respectable rookie campaign, his .259/.306/.394 triple-slash left plenty of room for improvement. One of the most interesting parts of Castellanos' game was his AL-best 28.5 percent line drive rate, showing an impressive ability the square the ball up and make solid contact. It wouldn't be too surprising to see Castellanos bat in the .270 range with 20-ish homer pop. His defense should be better too.

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