Detroit Tigers: The 2021 Opening Day roster is set

Detroit Tigers Infield:

1B/DH Miguel Cabrera

INF Jonathan Schoop

INF Willi Castro

INF Niko Goodrum

INF Jeimer Candelario

INF Harold Castro

Detroit Tigers Outfield:

Akli Baddoo

JaCoby Jones

Robbie Grossman

Victor Reyes

Nomar Mazara

Detroit will be carrying five outfielders as Akil Baddoo forced the issue with his display of patience at the plate, power, and speed. He had 10 walks and put up an OPS of 1.181. Now, I know what you are thinking, spring training stats do not matter and you are correct.

But it’s the complete package you have to look at for Baddoo. No one expected this. Once again, kudos to the scouting department for finding Baddoo. As Chris Brown pointed out two weeks ago, only Willi Casto was the only hitter with as many hard-hit balls (95 MPH+ exit velocity) as Baddoo.

How much playing time Baddoo will get is entirely how he performs and adjusts as teams figure out his weaknesses but as Detroit continues in their rebuilding efforts, it doesn’t hurt to have a player like this in on your roster.

I was admittedly shocked that Harold Castro made the club, considering he does have a minor league option left and they dropped Nunez, who can play first. So it begs the question, who is on first? Well, if you look at the lineup today in spring training, here’s a hint of how Opening Day may look like.

With the exception of Cabrera, the rest of the infield can play multiple positions. Schoop has also seen time at 3rd this spring so a split of Cabrera and Schoop at first looks to be the case.

Pending anything major happening to end the spring, this appears to be the Opening Day roster for the 2021 Detroit Tigers.

What are your thoughts about the roster? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.