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Predicting The Detroit Tigers’ Top 5 Batting Average Leaders For 2016

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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

When glancing at the Detroit Tigers‘ projected lineup for 2016, the first thing that may jump out is the impressive power potential. However, it is important to remember that this team could hit for a very high average as well. Even during a rough 2015 campaign in which they finished in last place in the AL Central, the Tigers still led all of MLB with a .270 team batting average. Here is a prediction of Detroit’s top five batting leaders for this coming season.

5. Ian Kinsler -- .280 BA

Ian Kinsler -- .280 BA Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, Ian Kinsler batted a rock-solid .296 through 154 games for the Tigers. It was the second-highest mark of his career, trailing only the .319 he hit with the Texas Rangers back in 2008 (a season in which he had 106 fewer at-bats). According to Fangraphs, he also posted a line drive rate of 25.4 percent, which was a career best. It wouldn't be shocking to see Kinsler bat .280 or better once again.

Last year, Ian Kinsler batted a rock-solid .296 through 154 games for the Tigers. It was the second-highest mark of his career, trailing only the .319 he hit with the Texas Rangers back in 2008 (a season in which he had 106 fewer at-bats). According to Fangraphs, he also posted a line drive rate of 25.4 percent, which was a career best. It wouldn't be shocking to see Kinsler bat .280 or better once again.

4. Jose Iglesias -- .285 BA

Jose Iglesias -- .285 BA Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Before his season came to an early end due to a finger injury, shortstop Jose Iglesias batted an even .300 through 120 games in 2015. Of course, it is possible that Iglesias' batting average could drop off a bit, especially over the course of a few more games if he stays healthy for a full season. However, considering his ability to make consistent contact (he had a team-best 9.7 K/9 among hitters with 400-plus plate appearances last year), he could easily be able to hit .285 or better once again as well.

Before his season came to an early end due to a finger injury, shortstop Jose Iglesias batted an even .300 through 120 games in 2015. Of course, it is possible that Iglesias' batting average could drop off a bit, especially over the course of a few more games if he stays healthy for a full season. However, considering his ability to make consistent contact (he had a team-best 9.7 K/9 among hitters with 400-plus plate appearances last year), he could easily be able to hit .285 or better once again as well.

3. J.D. Martinez -- .287 BA

J.D. Martinez -- .287 BA Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Although he didn't match the .315 BA he had with the Tigers during his breakout season of 2014, J.D. Martinez still batted a solid .282 to go along with his team-best 38 home runs last year. Although he may strike out quite often, Martinez also makes plenty of hard contact. According to Fangraphs, a whopping 42.3 percent of the balls that he put in play last season were classified as having been hit hard. The slugging righty should be able to find enough holes to keep his batting average in the .280-.290 range.

Although he didn't match the .315 BA he had with the Tigers during his breakout season of 2014, J.D. Martinez still batted a solid .282 to go along with his team-best 38 home runs last year. Although he may strike out quite often, Martinez also makes plenty of hard contact. According to Fangraphs, a whopping 42.3 percent of the balls that he put in play last season were classified as having been hit hard. The slugging righty should be able to find enough holes to keep his batting average in the .280-.290 range.

2. Victor Martinez -- .290 BA

Victor Martinez -- .290 BA Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
After suffering another offseason knee injury last February and going on to have the worst year of his career, many are very curious to see what the future holds for now 37-year-old Victor Martinez. Admittedly, it would be quite shocking to see him hit 30-plus home runs again, as he did in 2014, but it is important to remember that he is a .302 career hitter who has always been able to make consistent contact. Don't be surprised to see his BA climb back up into the .290-plus range.

After suffering another offseason knee injury last February and going on to have the worst year of his career, many are very curious to see what the future holds for now 37-year-old Victor Martinez. Admittedly, it would be quite shocking to see him hit 30-plus home runs again, as he did in 2014, but it is important to remember that he is a .302 career hitter who has always been able to make consistent contact. Don't be surprised to see his BA climb back up into the .290-plus range.

1. Miguel Cabrera -- .320 BA

Miguel Cabrera -- .320 BA Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
After securing his fourth batting title in five years last fall, many still consider Miguel Cabrera to be the best hitter in the game as he gets set to enter his age-33 season. As long as he stays healthy, expect Cabrera to keep his batting average around .320, which is a mark he has dipped below only once in the past seven seasons.

After securing his fourth batting title in five years last fall, many still consider Miguel Cabrera to be the best hitter in the game as he gets set to enter his age-33 season. As long as he stays healthy, expect Cabrera to keep his batting average around .320, which is a mark he has dipped below only once in the past seven seasons.

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