Detroit Tigers: Solving the Second Base Problem

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DETROIT, MI – JUNE 4: Second baseman Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers throws out Aaron Hicks of the New York Yankees at first base during the eighth inning of game one of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on June 4, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

The Detroit Tigers finally chose to cut bait on Opening Day second baseman Dixon Machado, designating him for assignment. So now what?

The Detroit Tigers are rebuilding. However, a stacked farm system allows fans to envision a future with many of the team’s current prospects reaching the big leagues. Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes are hopefully going to lock down the left side of the infield for years to come. Christin Stewart, Daz Cameron, Parker Meadows, Mike Gerber and JaCoby Jones should sort itself out as a viable big league outfield. Jake Rogers and Sam McMillan are both highly regarded catching prospects.

The pitching staff will be some lethal combination of Michael Fulmer, Casey Mize, Beau Burrows, Franklin Perez, Alex Faedo, Matt Manning, Kyle Funkhouser, etc. While pitching prospects are volatile (to say the least) the Tigers have collected enough arms that they should be able to turn in a pretty solid starting rotation in a few years.

What about the Keystone?

However, one of the few positions that seems to be devoid of much talent in the minor leagues is second base. And now that the Tigers have designated opening day starter Dixon Machado for assignment, the Tigers are in a bit of a conundrum. They don’t have many options for second base in the short-term, and their long-term outlook is shaky at best.

There are a few options of course. Niko Goodrum is expected to take over in the interim, and while he doesn’t profile as a big league regular there’s always a chance he develops into something more. Additionally, they used a high draft pick on a second baseman this draft, and he could certainly be playing alongside Paredes in a few years.

Lastly, the Tigers could of course trade for a second base prospect, making that a priority in any potential deadline deals. With Leonys Martin, Matthew Boyd, Francisco Liriano, Mike Fiers, Shane Greene and possibly Fulmer being shopped at the deadline, the Tigers have a great opportunity to add to their farm system.

Here is a more in-depth look at the Detroit Tigers future at the second base spot.

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