Dixon Machado

After two years spent at Triple-A, Machado finally got the chance to spend an entire season in the majors. However, with Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler still in Detroit, the 25-year-old infielder was stuck filling a utility role. He managed to hold his own at the dish when he did hit the field. Machado struggled in April and September, but hit at an excellent clip from May through August, compiling a .327/.358/.406 slash line despite sporadic playing time during the middle four months of the campaign. It was an empty average, with Machado offering virtually no power, and his defense graded out poorly, but Machado has a little speed and could run more in 2018. Kinsler was traded to the Angels in December, so Machado now appears to be first in line for reps at second base.

Machado will be disappointed he was not given an opportunity for an extended run in the big leagues in 2016, following a 2015 season where he started 20 games. Aside from eight games in the majors following an injury at shortstop, he spent most of the year in Triple-A, where he slashed .266/.349/.356, while adding 17 steals. While his contact and speed are decent, his glove is probably his biggest asset, as he posted a .973 fielding percentage in over 1000 Triple-A innings. Unfortunately, that probably won't earn him any additional run in the majors, as the Tigers' current starting shortstop, Jose Iglesias, led all major league shortstops with a .991 fielding percentage. He has also said he is willing to move to second base if needed, but there's a log jam there too, with Ian Kinsler producing at a high level and showing no signs of slowing down. Barring an injury or trade, 2017 probably won't be the year where Machado will have an opportunity to post relevant fantasy numbers.

Machado would be the leading candidate to be the Tigers' starting shortstop in 2016, but only if Jose Iglesias is shipped out of D-Town. Machado's been in the Tigers system since he was just 17 years old and finally debuted at Comerica Park this past season at 23. He became a regular in the lineup in September after Jose Iglesias broke his finger and Machado acquitted himself well in the field, registering a .979 fielding percentage and turning 14 double plays. His offense is still a work in progress; his slash line was an unimpressive .235/.307/.279 and he struck out 14 times in 68 at-bats. Right now, Machado is the epitome of that classic glove-first stereotype at what is arguably the most demanding position on the field. His metrics just don't stack up in most fantasy formats.