Detroit Tigers: Roster Predictions Heading into Spring Training

Predicting the Starting Position Players for the Detroit Tigers.

Pending any injuries in camp or sudden collapses in play, this is what the starting position players will look like on April 1 when they host Cleveland. Each player will have a brief summary of “why”.

1. Catcher-Wilson Ramos

Ramos was signed to lead the catching core and clear number one guy.  A veteran to have behind the plate who could hit double digit home runs. Waiting in the wings is Jake Rogers and Dillon Dingler.

2. First Base-Renato Núñez

Núñez can hit for power and the pursuit of him by David Chadd, the assistant GM, was well documented. Just the question of who will Detroit take off their 40-man roster to make room for him.

3. Second Base-Jonathan Schoop

With Nunez and Schoop, you have the potential to have the right side of the infield to feature two hitters that can hit 20 or more home runs.

4. Shortstop-Willi Castro

This one I thought about for a bit but Castro in his call up did nothing but hit. If he continues that in the spring, pencil him in.

5. Third Base- Jeimer Candelario

Candelario looks to build off his strong 2020 performance.

6. Left Field-Robbie Grossman

He is the first player to sign a multiple year deal since Justin Upton.  The Tigers hope to capitalize on Grossman’s changes in his swing mechanics. As Jake Boes discussed in his article, Grossman liked how Detroit made him feel like a priority in the off-season. So I am stoked to see what he can provide to the outfield.

7. Centerfield-JaCoby Jones

Jones got off to a hot start in 2020, quickly becoming a 2 WAR player. Fingers crossed that Jones can be healthy all season long.

8. Right Field-Nomar Mazara

The left-handed hitting Mazara was a last minute signing and provides a power bat in the corner. If Detroit can get 20-25 home runs from Mazara, it would be a big win for the front office. Instead of trying to plug the outfield with a 4A solution like last year, Mazara is at least a regular with experience. Expect a platoon situation with Victor Reyes hits better against lefties.

9. DH-Miguel Cabrera

Miguel will be holding it down the DH role again with some time at first.