Detroit Tigers: Roster Predictions Heading into Spring Training

We will take a stab at who will make the Detroit Tigers 26-man roster coming out of Spring Training heading into the 2021 season.

The Detroit Tigers are heading into 2021 with a brand new coaching staff but pretty much the same roster across the board however, there are several storylines to discuss heading into Spring Training when full roster workouts begin on February 22.

There are a few new names but the main core of the roster is still here from 2020.   Injuries will be an unique concern compared to past seasons.  Teams are going back to a full-season and hopefully not the stop and start we saw last season.

However, if injuries hit this roster like we saw in 2020 to key players in the lineup, depth is a concern beyond the starters. We saw that exposed last season and it hurt the Tigers coming down the stretch in September.

Another point to consider is for some of the pitchers in camp who are fighting for a position on the Tigers roster in certain cases based on the comments from AJ Hinch, they will be either be a starter again (Daniel Norris, Tyler Alexander) or ask relievers to throw multiple innings.

Toledo will be quite busy with the various call-ups but plan on seeing those call-ups heavy on the pitching side. General Manager Al Avila continues to address the pitching depth concerns with a fury of moves the last few days signing three relievers to minor league deals in Wily Peralta, Ben Taylor, Ricardo Pinto and veteran Julio Teheran, who will compete for a spot in the rotation. 

I admit, I would rather see Rick Porcello, Taijuan Walker or Jake Odorizzi but Teheran is a low-risk, high reward option and there are a few fans who rather wait for Detroit to spend next year.

I believe they address the issues in getting a second baseman and a veteran in the outfield but they should of looked into upgrading their staff with a true starter (or two) than can be an innings eater and a veteran reliever to shore up the bullpen. Yes, I understand when I hear fans say “let the kids sink or swim” but that has an effect on the mindset. But I digress. Let’s take a look at the roster and what it will look like on Opening Day.