Detroit Tigers: Solving the Second Base Problem

There are a handful of second base options further down on the farm for the Tigers. Here is a look at the potential future two-baggers, and when they could make their big league debuts.

Dawel Lugo

Lugo is definitely the closest to the big leagues, having been called up for one day earlier in the season. Although he didn’t play, it’s clear the Tigers view the 23-year-old as nearly big league ready. Lugo has spent the entire season at Triple-A Toledo, hitting .274./284/.369 with two home runs and six RBI.

Lugo has looked somewhat overmatched at Triple-A, with just a 1.5% walk rate and only a 79 wRC+. Still, it seems quite likely that he will make an appearance with the Tigers at some point this season. At just 23 years old, the Tigers don’t need to rush him into a big league role. But as one of the big pieces in the J.D. Martinez trade, the Tigers are no doubt hoping he can hold down the second base job for a few years. At least until our next subject is ready.

Kody Clemens

Clemens was selected in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft. The former Longhorns second baseman, and son of Roger Clemens, was slotted into the lineup at Single-A West Michigan. He has already hit two home runs in just five games.

The Tigers are hoping the 22-year-old is their long-term answer at second base. A middle infield with Paredes and Clemens could be really fun to watch. Clemens hits from the left side and displayed excellent power in college. The challenge will be sticking at second base defensively. If he is able to do so, he could be the second baseman on Detroit’s next playoff team.

Others

The Tigers do have a few other middle infield prospects who could someday roam the second base spot in the Motor City. Some of them are not currently playing second base, but could slide over there eventually. A few names to keep eyes on include Sergio Alcantara, Jose King, Kody Eaves and Alvaro Gonzalez.