Detroit Tigers Ian Kinsler: 2016 Fantasy Projections

The Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler has played well since joining the team before the 2014 season. The 33-year-old is still a top-five option.

The Detroit Tigers traded away superstar first baseman Prince Fielder for second baseman Ian Kinsler in November of 2013. Many thought they were crazy, but the contracts pointed in favor of the Tigers. After two seasons, Kinsler is still a top second baseman and could finish in the top five at the end of this season.

In eight years with the Texas Rangers, Kinsler hit 156 home runs, 539 RBI and .273 with 172 steals. He became the Rangers’ all-time leader in steals, fifth in runs (748), seventh in doubles (249) and walks (462), eighth in home runs, and ninth in hits (1,145) and RBIs. He was consistently a top second baseman in drafts and very sought after because of his power and speed combination. He had two 30/30 seasons and one 20/20 season.

Ian Kinsler picked up right where he left off in his first season with the Tigers. He played in a career-high 161 games and had a career-high 684 at bats. He hit 17 home runs, 92 RBI and .275 with 15 steals. He was voted to his fourth All-Star game and scored 100 runs for the fifth time in his career.

Last season was a bit of a drop off, but still a fantasy success. He finished fifth among second basemen and 68th overall on the Player Rater. He played in 154 games and had 185 hits, 11 home runs, 73 RBI, 10 steals and a .296 average. It was his ninth 10 HR/10 SB season and fifth in a row. Hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez will provide a lot of opportunities throughout the season.

Ian Kinsler has been one of the toughest hitters to get out during his career. He has a career 11.7 strikeout percentage and 8.6 walk rate. His fly ball rate dropped in the last couple of seasons, but so has his ground ball rate. Regardless, Kinsler is very patient at the plate and takes advantage of a pitcher’s frustration. He had a 29.0 O-swing percentage (swings at pitches out of the strike zone), 45th in the league, which is why he recorded over 180 hits in his last two seasons.

Next: Rockies and Rays Trade: Fantasy Fallout

Ian Kinsler is still being ranked as a top-10 second baseman and with good reason. He is one of the most consistent options at the position and with very few options, it’s hard to pass on him. Even though some of the star Tigers hitters are getting up there in age, as long as they are healthy they can still hit. He is a sure-fire guarantee for another 10/10 season, and possibly even 15/15.

Projections: 162 hits, 13 home runs, 65 RBI, 11 steals, .274 average

Draft: Round 9