Detroit Tigers: Spring position battles to watch for

The Detroit Tigers have plenty of positions open this spring, as camp opens in just a few days.

Next Tuesday Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland for Spring Training. It signifies the return of baseball. While veterans are tuning up, there are a few vying for a spot on the major-league roster.

While the games don’t count, there are some players that are trying desperately to make the roster.

Prospects will try to impress new Manager Ron Gardenhire, hoping to get a spot on his opening day depth chart. Unlike years in the past, many starting positions aren’t set in stone. The rotation, bullpen, and outfield all have lingering questions.

The Tigers have gotten a few pieces in the off-season. Leonys Martin and Mike Fiers are favorites to make the team. Ryan Carpenter and Travis Wood were picked up on minor-league contracts, and will try to perform well enough to make the roster.

Likewise, young prospects will try to impress. Future Tigers Alex Faedo and Victor Alcantara are non-roster invitees. While it is improbable that they’ll make the roster, some prospects will get their first look at major league action.

Sometimes there are a few surprises. JD Martinez was cut by the Houston Astros in 2014, and became one of the most memorable Tigers in the past decade. Perhaps it could happen again.

Despite this, Spring Training means baseball is back. And it means there’s less than a month until the Tigers open against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, March 29th.

Here’s a look at position battles to keep your eyes on:

Bullpen

The bullpen has plagued the Tigers for years. Even when the team competed, the ‘pen was the weakest link. This year, it doesn’t seem to change.

We know Shane Greene is the closer. Aside from him, a lot of spots are open.

The setup slot depends on whether Alex Wilson makes the rotation or not. It’s his spot in the bullpen to lose. If Wilson does make the rotation, Blaine Hardy and Daniel Stumpf will compete for it. Either way, Stumpf and Hardy will most likely make the team.

Then, there are at least seven or eight pitchers competing for three or four more spots. Warwick Saupold, Drew VerHagen, Jairo Labourt, Artie Lewicki, Chad Bell, Zac Reininger, and Joe Jimenez are all on the spring depth chart.

Most likely, Saupold, Jimenez, and VerHagen will make the team. Saupold made 45 appearances last season, and had a few signs of success early, but trailed off later.

Jimenez is Detroit’s 22 year-old closer of the future. He dominated Triple-A last year, appearing in 26 games, pitching 25 innings, going 1-1 with a 1.44 ERA and 36 strikeouts. The power pitcher did get a taste of major-league action last year, but will have an expanded role in 2018.

VerHagen has had pitched in a few stints the past four years with Detroit. The 27 year-old had success in 2015, but hasn’t been in the majors for enough time to adjust to MLB hitters. Of the three pitchers listed above, VerHagen is the most likely to start the year in the minors.

Then, you have Travis Wood who is just competing for a spot on the roster. He had a tremendous amount of success in 2016 out of the Cubs bullpen, and the Tigers are hoping his reunion with  Chris Bosio brings back his success.

Finally, a handful of minor league signings in James Russell, Johnny Barbato, Enrique Burgos and Phillippe Aumont will look to make Detroit’s bullpen as well.

Here’s our full look at the bullpen.

Outfield

So far, only the corner outfield positions are locks. Mikie Mahtook will slide to left field, after having a good 2017 in right. Former third baseman Nicholas Castellanos will patrol right, after moving from third to accommodate for Jeimer Candelario.

Center field is still undecided. It’s safe to say newcomer Leonys Martin will make the team, but he’ll compete with JaCoby Jones and Rule 5 draft selection Victor Reyes for who makes the starting lineup.

It won’t be a surprise if Martin doesn’t start on Opening Day. He regressed sharply in 2017, only hitting .172, and reaching base just 23.2 percent of the time. While he’s a great fielder, his offensive production will hinder his chances.

Martin is also 30. Baseball players usually don’t improve greatly after hitting that age. While he may be defensively good, his bat likely won’t improve.

Martin’s competition are both younger. Jones has played in the majors before, has a good glove, and a questionable bat. He hit .170 in 141 at bats in the majors last season. Jones’ numbers in the minors, however, aren’t bad. He hit .245 in Triple-A Toledo last season, reached base 31.4 percent of the time, and had an OPS of .702. If he has a good spring, Jones should make the roster, and may even start on Opening Day.

The last competitor is Victor Reyes. The 2017 Rule 5 pick from Arizona had a good season at the plate in Double-A and fall ball, hitting .292/.332/.731, and .316/.333/.738, respectively. Defensively, Reyes was perfect in center, playing 404.1 innings of no-error baseball.

Reyes has a future in the majors. If Detroit likes him enough, he’ll have to spend the year in Detroit, or the Tigers will need to work out a deal with Arizona to retain him in the minors.

Here’s our full outfield preview.

Next: Five greatest African-Americans in team history

Spring Training starts next week. There’s plenty to keep an eye on, and many battles to watch. It will be interesting to see what the Tigers look like.

Baseball is Back!