Detroit Tigers: Previewing the 2018 lineup

The 2018 Detroit Tigers lineup will look incredibly different from years past. It is filled with younger players and grizzled vets.

The Detroit Tigers will look different when they step to the plate in 2018. No more Ian Kinsler, Justin Upton, or JD Martinez. All three were traded over the past year and a half, as part of the rebuild.

The Tigers new manager Ron Gardenhire believes this team can compete. He’s no stranger to rebuild, after helping the Minnesota Twins develop players like Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau. He mixes old-school strategy with new-school analytics, and is the right man to lead the Tigers through this season.

In order to succeed, a lot of things will need to come together. Almost everyone on the list will need to have a rebound year, or improve from last season.

The lineup is younger than year’s past. While they’ve had experience playing at the major league level, it will be the first time that many of these players play a full season.

2018 is a transition year. Many prospects are in the minors, and may get called up as the season progresses. But the bulk of the lineup is comprised of substitute players, and young players hoping to have a rebound year.

Despite this, there will be a few returning faces to the lineup. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez will get the nod on Opening Day, but the entire outfield, and a significant part of the infield are all young players, without much starting experience.

This is also a very. very early look at the lineup. Any number of things can happen in Lakeland during Spring Training. Some players could perform better, or worse than expected.

Here’s a look at the projected 2018 lineup: