FORT MYERS, Fla. — A.J. Hinch is preparing for some challenging discussions ahead.
As spring training comes to a close, the Tigers have streamlined their roster. Only the strongest contenders remain, with several promising players—Justyn-Henry Malloy, Spencer Torkelson, Jahmai Jones, and Ryan Kreidler—vying for just two positions.
On the pitching front, Keider Montero, Casey Mize, Kenta Maeda, and Jackson Jobe are all in contention for two spots in the rotation. Meanwhile, Andrew Chafin, Brant Hurter, and Brenan Hanifee are jostling for a place in the bullpen, and a surprising decision or last-minute addition might still be on the horizon.
So, how will everything unfold? Here’s our latest prediction, along with insights into the critical questions that remain unanswered:
Position Players
1B Colt Keith
SS Trey Sweeney
3B/UTIL Zach McKinstry
OF Riley Greene
UTIL Andy Ibáñez
IF Javier Báez
OF/1B Justyn-Henry Malloy
1B/OF Spencer Torkelson
Contenders: IF Ryan Kreidler, UTIL Jahmai Jones
Injured List: OF Parker Meadows, UTIL Matt Vierling
Third Base Situation
Alex Bregman was the Tigers’ first choice for third base, but that plan fell through. Matt Vierling and Jace Jung were seen as suitable alternatives, yet Vierling will start the season on the injured list due to a strained right rotator cuff. Jung’s performance has been disappointing, leading the Tigers to send him to Triple A on Monday.
To start the season, the Tigers will likely use Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibáñez in a platoon at third base. Javier Báez is also training at third and may be used as a defensive substitute late in games, particularly if his hitting improves. However, Vierling is expected back eventually, and Jung might also be recalled if he gets back on track. Additionally, Hao-Yu Lee could become a viable option later in the season.
Riley Greene’s Center Field Role
Wenceel Pérez seems set to take most of the center field time, but Greene has already played five games in that position this spring. The Tigers prefer Greene in a corner outfield spot to minimize physical strain, yet the absence of Parker Meadows due to a nerve issue might warrant Greene playing center. “I’m not sure how the strain of playing CF affects his health,” Hinch remarked. “It’s something we need to figure out… We’re open to all possibilities.”
Coexistence of Torkelson and Malloy
Whether Torkelson’s switch to the outfield becomes permanent remains to be seen. His ability to come into the game mid-inning adds depth to the roster after a strong spring performance. Meanwhile, Malloy has consistently impressed, making him hard to exclude. “I’ve really noticed his steadiness at the plate,” Hinch commented. “We can all expect solid at-bats from him.”
However, both players are primarily offensive threats and possess similar skill sets. Given the Tigers’ need for right-handed hitters, having them both makes strategic sense. Alternatively, they could consider Jones, who has shown promise this spring, or Kreidler, who offers excellent defense but hasn’t yet hit well at the MLB level.
Projected Lineups and Pitching Staff
Against Right-Handed Pitchers:
Wenceel Pérez CF (S), Riley Greene LF (L), Gleyber Torres 2B, Kerry Carpenter RF (L), Colt Keith 1B (L), Spencer Torkelson DH, Zach McKinstry 3B (L), Trey Sweeney SS (L), Jake Rogers C.
Bench: Andy Ibáñez (UTIL), Javier Báez (IF), Justyn-Henry Malloy (OF/1B), Dillon Dingler (C).
Against Left-Handed Pitchers:
Justyn-Henry Malloy RF, Riley Greene LF (L), Andy Ibáñez 3B, Gleyber Torres 2B, Colt Keith 1B (L), Spencer Torkelson DH, Javier Báez SS, Wenceel Pérez CF (S), Jake Rogers C.
Bench: Kerry Carpenter (OF), Zach McKinstry (UTIL), Trey Sweeney (SS), Dillon Dingler (C).
Starting Rotation Insights
Projected Starters: Tarik Skubal (LHP), Jack Flaherty (RHP), Reese Olson (RHP), Jackson Jobe (RHP), Casey Mize (RHP).
Contenders: Keider Montero.
Injured List: Alex Cobb (RHP), Sawyer Gipson-Long (RHP).
The race for the fifth starter is tight, with Montero likely starting in Triple-A Toledo. Mize and Jobe seem to be battling for that final rotation spot alongside Maeda, who may be better suited for shorter relief appearances given his performance this spring.
Bullpen Outlook
Projected Relievers: Jason Foley (RHP), Will Vest (RHP), Beau Brieske (RHP), Tyler Holton (LHP), Tommy Kahnle (RHP), John Brebbia (RHP), Kenta Maeda (RHP), Brant Hurter (LHP).
Contenders: Andrew Chafin (LHP), Brenan Hanifee (RHP).
Injured List: Alex Lange (RHP).
Brenan Hanifee has been a standout, throwing a spring without allowing a run, and the Tigers need to find a way to include him in the bullpen. However, they won’t part with Maeda and face tough decisions regarding who to cut. Ultimately, a deserving player may find themselves in Triple-A despite a solid performance.
