Detroit Tigers: Constructing the Opening Day Lineup for 2021

Batting Fourth: C.J. Cron

Now, this is the first free agent that was added to the lineup and it is a familiar face in Cron, which makes a lot of sense for the Tigers. He started 2020 strong, hitting four homes in his first 13 games before the knee injury ended his season.

According to Spotrac, his market value has him at $3.5 million. and if you look across the market for first baseman, the market is rather slim after Cron. Could you sign Marwin Gonzalez and have him play first? Sure, but in this case, Gonzalez would be better suited to play a multiple set of positions.

What about the farm system? Bryant Packard has not played above High-A and Spencer Torkelson, who is playing third at the moment even if he makes a splash right away, the Tigers may wait to bring him up as they have with their other prospects for service time purposes.

When Cron is healthy, he can provide 20-30 home runs, above league average in OPS+  give you positive Defensive Runs Saved, and has had gains in exit velocity, barrels and as Jacob pointed out, he is hitting the ball hard for being over 30 years old.

You know what helps, enduring to Tigers fans, which he did when he found out his season was ending.