Detroit Tigers close to signing Cameron Maybin, for third stint, to play right field

The Detroit Tigers are set to welcome a familiar face back to town.

Cameron Maybin, who came up through the Tigers’ system as a top prospect and returned for the 2016 season, is close to signing back with his original team.

The two sides are closing in on a major league deal, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The signing would make Maybin the front-runner to start in right field.

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Maybin, 32, is a lifetime .256 hitter in 13 seasons with the Tigers, Padres, Braves, Angels, Astros, Marlins, Mariners and Yankees. He most recently hit .285 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI in 82 games for New York in 2019.

Maybin was drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2005 MLB draft and traded to the Marlins two years later as part of the return for first baseman Miguel Cabrera. He returned for the 2016 season, in a trade with Atlanta for left-hander Ian Krol.

Maybin sparked the Tigers that year, hitting .315 in his best Major League season to date.

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Long affected by injuries, Maybin carries a strong, positive clubhouse presence and has proven himself as a player.

Other candidates to receive playing time in right field include Victor Reyes, Travis Demeritte and Jorge Bonifacio.

Contact Anthony Fenech at afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech. Read more on the Detroit Tigers and sign up for our Tigers newsletter.