The Detroit Tigers are currently 4-6-1 in the Grapefruit League, facing injuries that complicate roster projections. Key players Matt Vierling and Parker Meadows are sidelined, creating uncertainty around the season’s lineup. Jahmai Jones and Ryan Kreidler have emerged as potential replacements, with Kreidler being evaluated for center field. Javier Báez is expected to remain a fixture despite concerns about his performance. The Tigers may pursue external options for outfield depth, as injuries have strained their resources. Meanwhile, Kerry Carpenter’s role against left-handed pitchers and Justyn-Henry Malloy’s potential as a versatile player are also under consideration.
DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have now posted a 4-6-1 record in the Grapefruit League. Should fans be worried?
Joking aside, spring training is in full swing. Pitchers are ramping up, hitters are getting into form, and injuries have already disrupted all those offseason roster expectations. Matt Vierling (right rotator cuff strain) won’t be available for Opening Day. Parker Meadows is contending with a nerve issue in his upper right arm, leaving his return timeline uncertain.
This has the Tigers grappling with genuine uncertainty regarding the makeup of their roster as the season approaches. Let’s delve into some reader questions for further insight:
Do you think Jahmai Jones has a shot at making the roster? — Dave B.
I included Jones in my latest roster projection. While I’m not completely sold on that decision, I mentioned Jones to illustrate how the Tigers are making roster decisions under Scott Harris and to highlight potential solutions to roster construction issues.
With Vierling and possibly Meadows sidelined, Jones has the potential to fill in the outfield. He helps cover one of the team’s weaknesses, boasting a record of success against left-handed pitchers (.304 average in a limited MLB sample last year, with an .883 OPS against lefties in Triple-A last season). The Tigers brought him to camp for a reason, and A.J. Hinch has praised him since spring training started.
For Jones to make the team, it would likely hinge on Meadows not being ready for Opening Day. But he certainly has an opportunity.
Is Ryan Kreidler a serious candidate to make the opening-day roster? And is CF possible? How is he there? Is there ANY chance Javier Báez DOESN’T make Opening Day? — Matt R.
We might not be discussing Kreidler enough as a potential replacement for Vierling or Meadows. His increased reps in center field are no accident. The fact that he can also contribute at third base and shortstop, where he excels defensively, is significant. I want to see more of him in center, but he could end up being a better defender there than Wenceel Pérez.
However, injuries have hampered Kreidler. The reality is that we have yet to see his offensive potential at the MLB level. He has a .147 batting average over 72 MLB games. His best shot at getting another chance is by proving he can secure the center field position, hoping the Tigers prioritize defense over offense at the start of the season.
Regarding Báez… An injury or setback in his recovery from surgery would be the only scenario in which he wouldn’t make the roster. I understand people may not want to hear this, but there’s no sign that the Tigers are considering buying out the three years and $73 million left on his contract. They intend to give him a chance. The only real question is how frequently he will play.
You hinted the other day at Javy getting a starting gig at SS and Trey Sweeney beginning the year at Toledo. Understand L/R issues, but Sweeney was a big reason for the playoff run. For this to make ANY sense Javy has got to play a LOT better than the worst regular in MLB, which he was. How does he look? — Tim D.
Unfortunately, this strategy makes sense due to business considerations. The Tigers are investing heavily in Báez, and they can easily option Sweeney to Toledo. For Sweeney to be on the roster, the alternative would involve designating Zach McKinstry for assignment and hoping he clears waivers, as any team that claims him would inherit his $1.65 million salary. However, with Vierling out and McKinstry capable of aiding in the outfield, this scenario seems less likely.
The injuries to Meadows and Vierling also increase the likelihood of Sweeney, Jace Jung, and McKinstry—all left-handed hitters capable of playing infield—making the roster together.
Injuries to other players and the play of Javier Báez will influence Trey Sweeney’s starting position this season. (Photo: Duane Burleson / Getty Images)
This spring, Báez has appeared healthy. He’s moving well and running at full speed. However, that doesn’t necessarily indicate improvement. His swing looks unchanged, and he still struggles with chasing pitches. If a healthier hip allows him to regain some of his former power, that might be the best scenario we can hope for. Essentially, we’re hoping Báez can replicate his performance from 2022, where he, while still frustrating at times, managed to hit 17 home runs, played solid defense, and was worth 2.0 fWAR.
What are the options for adding an outfielder externally? It seems necessary at this point, as the system lacks sufficient quality options. — Matthew B.
Gut feeling — will Scott trade for a major-league-ready, right-handed bat before Opening Day? — Kiran M.
Akil Baddoo’s wrist injury has definitely impacted the Tigers’ outfield depth. It’s also not surprising that the Tigers have more left-handed hitters compared to right-handed ones. They prioritize the strong side of the platoon.
However, the early injuries in camp have revealed some of the organization’s shortcomings at both the Triple-A and big league levels. The pressing question is: Is there a real solution available?
Concerning major moves, Taylor Ward from the Angels stands out as the right-handed outfielder that’s most intriguing as a trade target. However, let’s be realistic: If the Angels haven’t traded him yet, they’re unlikely to do so before the season begins.
It’s plausible that Harris will explore the waiver wire and keep an eye on players who might opt out of minor-league contracts as Opening Day approaches. For instance, Jake Marisnick is still available in the Braves system. A glove-first center fielder could serve as a short-term solution if Meadows starts the season on the IL. This seems to be the most probable addition.
Overall, it’s challenging to predict exactly which players will be available in the coming weeks. A smaller trade, akin to Harris acquiring McKinstry before the 2023 season, is certainly possible. However, I’m also curious whether the Tigers will find options they regard as upgrades over Jones.
With this in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers choose to stick with Jones, knowing that Vierling and Meadows will return before too long.
Will the Tigers give Kerry Carpenter a longer opportunity against lefties? The numbers last year were subpar, but there are some indicators that he’s not completely overmatched versus southpaws: a career 24 K% against LHP and a passable 90 wRC+ in 2023. He also seems to have hit lefties well in the minors. — Steve G.
This is a major question heading into spring. Even more so with the multitude of injuries that have impacted nearly every question in this mailbag.
Hinch appears open to giving Carpenter more at-bats against left-handed pitchers. He often mentions that pinch-hitting is more about the strengths of other players (think: Andy Ibáñez against LHP) rather than Carpenter’s weaknesses. Still, it’s hard to ignore Carpenter’s .588 OPS — with no doubles or triples — in 134 career MLB plate appearances against lefties. Although he performed better against lefties in the minors (a .905 OPS vs. LHP in 2022), he’s not entirely hopeless.
So… with Vierling out, might the Tigers have another player who can push Carpenter out of the lineup? At least at the start of the season, this could be a pivotal question in determining the team’s roster as they head to Los Angeles. Jones is a real contender. The Tigers might also opt to carry both Spencer Torkelson and Justyn-Henry Malloy, but that would likely require trusting Malloy to manage a decent amount of playing time in the outfield so Torkelson can DH and possibly pinch-hit for Carpenter.
I don’t have a definitive answer to this question. But the circumstances might soon force the Tigers to clarify their stance on Carpenter facing lefties more often. If there’s ever a time to explore it, it’s now.
What could Malloy’s role look like to start the season? Could he be an everyday outfielder given the injuries? — Owen K.
I believe Malloy has a strong chance of making the roster. His comfort level at first base works in his favor, along with his ability to hit left-handed pitching effectively. However, whether the Tigers are willing to trust him in the outfield is a crucial question that could affect Jones’ roster spot or Carpenter’s at-bats against lefties.
Considering Malloy’s less-than-stellar defensive history — he was measured at minus-4 outs above average in left field last season — and the Tigers likely wanting to avoid putting him in right field, it’s more probable he spends considerable time as a designated hitter and fills in at first or left field when needed.
That being said, J-Hen could be a vital asset for the Tigers this season. His stock is certainly on the rise.
(Top photo: Junfu Han/USA Today Network)