Detroit Tigers: Roster Predictions Heading into Spring Training

Predicting the bench for the Detroit Tigers

One of the names on my predictions may throw off Detroit Tigers fans but I am betting on changes in philosophy from AJ Hinch and to finally give this player a chance.

23. Victor Reyes

In 57 games last season, Reyes gave identical production as he did in 69 games in 2019 but he improved his hard hit% and barrel% in 2020. He can play any position in the outfield, which makes him a good utility player. He does not walk a lot but hopefully, Reyes can continue to grow as a player.

24. Niko Goodrum

Goodrum knows he has to hit and spent his entire off-season working on improving his approach at the plate. He showed his defensive prowess by getting a nod for a Gold Glove at shortstop.  Hinch loves utility players and Goodrum can play anywhere just like one Don Kelly, who Tigers fan love for his versatility.

He should see sometime across the diamond. He knows he has to hit in order to stay on the roster and Detroit is banking on all the time he spent on working on hitting in the off-season will pay off.

25. Jake Rogers

Rogers is battling several candidates for the backup role and the reason I gave him the nod over Greiner because Rogers worked on his swing way and it was doing well in spring training before the shutdown.

Granted, as Chris Brown said many times, teams can tell you how they feel about a prospect by their actions and with not getting a  call up last season, that was telling. But a new manager with Hinch and a brand new coaching staff could help Rogers. Of all the catchers in camp, he has the highest upside. I think he goes out there and proves it.

26. Harold Castro

Castro’s ability to play anywhere and because he is a left-handed bat, I gave him the final spot on the roster although I considered Zack Short, who has more of a power profile. But for now based on tenure, I went with Castro.

As far as Akai Baddoo goes as a Rule 5 pick, I think the Tigers will make a trade to keep him and send him down to the minors. Detroit cant really afford to keep him on the bench all season. It would benefit more if he got some in the minors. Another arm I considered for the bullpen is Derek Holland.

Spring training officially starts this week so let’s see how this version of the  26-man roster will look. Give us your prediction of the 26-man roster.