Steven Moya is having a strong winter in the Dominican Republic.
On Wednesday night, the Detroit Tigers outfielder went 3-for-6 with two home runs, including a walk-off solo home run in the 12th inning of Toros del Este’s win over Leones del Escogito.
In 36 games this winter, Moya is hitting .286 with six home runs and 29 RBIs. He has struck out 36 times in 137 at-bats and has drawn 10 walks.
Moya, 24, hit .240 with 20 home runs and 74 RBIs this past season with Triple-A Toledo, a year after taking home Eastern League MVP honors with Double-A Erie in 2014.
He doesn’t have a good chance to crack the club this spring — the Tigers have a number of more-established players in the outfield — and his prospect star isn’t nearly as bright as it was in years past, but Moya is still young and packs a lot of power.
“I don’t know that he will cut down his strikeouts to appease everyone’s desires or expectations,” general manager Al Avila said this off-season.
This past season, Moya struck out 162 times with the Mud Hens.
“For me, it’s just production,” Avila said. “Whether you hit enough home runs and drive in enough runs so you can live with the strikeouts.”
Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press 4:48 p.m. EST December 31, 2015
Source: Detroit Tigers prospect Steven Moya hitting well this winter