Early Summer Prediction Of Detroit Tigers 2016 Opening Day Lineup

Although we have still yet to hit the halfway mark of the 2015 MLB campaign, it is never too early to start looking ahead. On that note, here is an early summer prediction of what the Detroit Tigers' 2016 Opening Day lineup may look like.

1. Anthony Gose, CF

In his first season with the Tigers, Anthony Gose has done an overall solid job on both sides of the ball. Under team control through the 2019 season, expect Gose to be a presence in the Tigers' outfield and at the top of the batting order once again in 2016.

2. Jose Iglesias, SS

Although he has batted primarily at the bottom of the order in 2015, Jose Iglesias appears to be evolving into a top-of-the-order hitter. After all, he is hitting .330/.384/.392 so far this season. It would hardly be shocking to see the Tigers start grooming him to be a No. 2 hitter before long.

3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

This one is perhaps the most obvious of all. Barring an injury, expect Miguel Cabrera to be batting third and playing first base for the Tigers on Opening Day of 2016 as he embarks upon his age-33 season.

4. Victor Martinez, DH

Signed to a brand-new four-year, $68 million deal over the offseason, expect Victor Martinez to resume DH and cleanup duties next season barring another injury.

5. J.D. Martinez, RF

After a breakout season in 2014, J.D. Martinez has been proving that he is anything but a fluke in 2015. Martinez won't hit free agency until 2018, so it is a pretty safe bet that he will still be in the middle of the Tigers' batting order once again next season.

6. Tyler Collins, LF

With Yoenis Cespedes set to hit the free agency this winter, it may be Tyler Collins time for the Tigers. Collins has had a few stints with the big league club over the past couple of seasons, and he may have 20-ish homer capability at the big league level if played regularly.

7. Nick Castellanos, 3B

Although he is having a pretty disappointing sophomore season, Nick Castellanos is still a young, cost-controlled player with breakout potential. Right now, it is tough to envision him not manning third base for the Tigers in 2016.

8. Ian Kinsler, 2B

Signed through 2017 with an option for 2018, odds are that Ian Kinsler will be playing second base for the Tigers next season. If this year's offensive performance is a sign of things to come, however, it would hardy be shocking if a drop in the lineup is in his future.

9. James McCann, C

With Alex Avila set to be a free agent at season's end, it wouldn't be too surprising to see James McCann become the Tigers' full-time starting catcher in 2016. The 25-year-old has been extremely impressive on defense, and if he can improve his numbers against right-handed pitching, he could truly be something special.

David Price, SP

Although many fans have expressed their doubts about the Tigers chances to retain David Price, I'll be the optimist and predict the two sides will come to an agreement this winter. If that is the case, expect Price to be the Tigers' Opening Day starter for the second straight year -- unless Justin Verlander has a serious rebound up his sleeve or the Tigers sign another big-name free agent pitcher.