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5 Detroit Tigers Who May Have Something To Prove In Spring Training Of 2016

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into the 2016 MLB season, the Detroit Tigers have a promising roster with many proven players and superstars. However, the Tigers also have a few players who may be feeling a little bit of extra pressure to put themselves back on the map. So, on that note, here are five players who may have something to prove by the time Spring Training rolls around.

Heading into the 2016 MLB season, the Detroit Tigers have a promising roster with many proven players and superstars. However, the Tigers also have a few players who may be feeling a little bit of extra pressure to put themselves back on the map. So, on that note, here are five players who may have something to prove by the time Spring Training rolls around.

5. Bryan Holaday

5. Bryan Holaday Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
It now seems that the Tigers will more than likely be carrying Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their backup catcher, but it will still be interesting to keep an eye on Bryan Holaday in Spring Training. Perhaps Holaday, who is out of minor league options, could help his case for making the team or boost his trade value with a solid spring.

It now seems that the Tigers will more than likely be carrying Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their backup catcher, but it will still be interesting to keep an eye on Bryan Holaday in Spring Training. Perhaps Holaday, who is out of minor league options, could help his case for making the team or boost his trade value with a solid spring.

4. Steven Moya

4. Steven Moya Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
After a monster season at Double-A Erie in 2014, slugging outfield prospect Steven Moya had a bit of a tough campaign in Triple-A Toledo this past year. However, Moya is still only 24 years old, has big power from the left side and doesn't appear to have fallen too far off the radar. Perhaps a strong showing in Spring Training could go a long way for him.

After a monster season at Double-A Erie in 2014, slugging outfield prospect Steven Moya had a bit of a tough campaign in Triple-A Toledo this past year. However, Moya is still only 24 years old, has big power from the left side and doesn't appear to have fallen too far off the radar. Perhaps a strong showing in Spring Training could go a long way for him.

3. Matt Boyd

3. Matt Boyd Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Although he struggled a bit over a combined 13 games (12 starts) with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tigers this past season, it is important to note that Matt Boyd has a rock-solid minor league resume, posting a 2.48 ERA over three seasons. Daniel Norris appears to be the clear front-runner to win the final rotation spot and it also appears that there will be quite a bit of competition for the last couple of bullpen spots, but one shouldn't count out the soon-to-be 25-year-old Boyd just yet.

Although he struggled a bit over a combined 13 games (12 starts) with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tigers this past season, it is important to note that Matt Boyd has a rock-solid minor league resume, posting a 2.48 ERA over three seasons. Daniel Norris appears to be the clear front-runner to win the final rotation spot and it also appears that there will be quite a bit of competition for the last couple of bullpen spots, but one shouldn't count out the soon-to-be 25-year-old Boyd just yet.

2. Shane Greene

2. Shane Greene Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After an extremely impressive start to last season, Shane Greene ultimately stumbled all the way to a 4-8 record, a 6.88 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP through 18 games (16 starts) with the Tigers. However, Greene, who had shoulder surgery last August, should still have enough talent to get back on the right track. It will be very interesting to see if he can win a spot on the Tigers' roster next spring, whether as a starter or reliever.

After an extremely impressive start to last season, Shane Greene ultimately stumbled all the way to a 4-8 record, a 6.88 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP through 18 games (16 starts) with the Tigers. However, Greene, who had shoulder surgery last August, should still have enough talent to get back on the right track. It will be very interesting to see if he can win a spot on the Tigers' roster next spring, whether as a starter or reliever.

1. Bruce Rondon

1. Bruce Rondon Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few years, Tigers fans have been waiting for Bruce Rondon to develop into a dependable back-of-the bullpen arm, but it hasn't quite happened yet. Rondon has been through injuries, and after he was sent home early last September, questions about his attitude have recently surfaced as well. At only 25 years old, though, the fireballer should still be able to right the ship.

Over the past few years, Tigers fans have been waiting for Bruce Rondon to develop into a dependable back-of-the bullpen arm, but it hasn't quite happened yet. Rondon has been through injuries, and after he was sent home early last September, questions about his attitude have recently surfaced as well. At only 25 years old, though, the fireballer should still be able to right the ship.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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