1. Torkelson
Before the Tigers signed veteran second baseman Gleyber Torres and moved Colt Keith to first base, president Scott Harris spoke to Torkelson and told him there was still a role for him on this team. Just not as the regular first baseman, at least not initially.
He also explained to him why this move was taking place. The Tigers ranked at the bottom of the American League in offensive production at first base last season: .356 slugging percentage (second worst), .651 OPS (third worst), 15 homers (worst), 63 RBIs (third worst).
In 2023, Torkelson, the first pick in the draft in 2020, hit 31 homers and knocked in 94 runs with a .446 slug and .758 OPS. But that production was absent last season and he ended up spending two-plus months in Triple-A.
Torkelson will come to camp in the hunt for a final roster spot as a right-handed bench bat, getting his reps as a backup first baseman and designated hitter. Harris made it clear, too, that Torkelson was not a candidate to possibly play other positions, like third base or corner outfield.
He’s still only 25 and the Tigers would be loathe to give up on him prematurely. Still, Torkelson’s name continues to swirl in trade speculation.
2. Justin Henry-Malloy
3. Wencel Perez
4. Jace Jung
This is a critical time, developmentally, for this 24-year-old. If camp started tomorrow, Jung would likely get the first shot at securing the third base job. And he would need to lock it down because what the Tigers don’t want is for him to get sporadic at-bats off the bench.
If he doesn’t secure a regular role, better he start the season in Triple-A and play every day.
Jung, a left-handed hitter, took on a lot last year. He changed positions, from second to third, and he battled through the final two-plus months with a injured right wrist that required surgery after the season. And still, with his power diminished by the ailing wrist, he posted a .362 on-base percentage in 34 games.
The Tigers love his grit and his spirit. He’s a gamer, a throwback dirtbag type competitor. He’s going to contribute to this team at some point.
“We talk about the patience it takes for players to acclimate to the big leagues,” Hinch said of Jung. “When guys get that second half (of a season), that’s where they take a step forward. We saw what Colt Keith did and what Parker Meadows did. We can give Jace a runway to compete for our team and no matter what level he’s at he can make the adjustments he needs to make.”
It’s clear the Tigers will keep searching for position-player upgrades, Bregman or others, right up to the start of the season.
“Jace is coming to spring to win a job," Harris said. "The opportunity that will be in front of him depends on what we do the rest of the offseason. These situations change quickly.”
5. Javier Baez