Detroit Tigers hosting a public utility tryout through the end of the season

Detroit Tigers IF/OF Zack Short

Zack Short appears to be another candidate for a utilityman in 2022, as the organization has put him in the outfield at Triple-A Toledo in three games in addition to his usual second base/third base/shortstop stables.

Short saw some time with the MLB club this season and figures to be in the equation to make the Detroit Tigers next spring, but it is fair to question if his bat will play enough to stay long-term.

The Case for Keeping Zack Short

As is the case with Willi Castro, Short has option years left, which essentially means his short-term future with the organization is all-but-cemented. If he does not make the club next year, he will head to Toledo once again to be ready for an injury or roster change. The question is whether Short will show enough to warrant that coveted utility spot on the Detroit Tigers.

Short has control on his side, with his rookie status still intact through 2021, which means there is still some potential for growth despite his age (26). Although the metrics aren’t in love with Zack Short’s shortstop play, he does appear to be fluid with soft hands and a strong arm.

The Case for Letting Zack Short Go

There really isn’t one in terms of his spot within the organization, but in terms of him being ‘the guy’ right out of spring, he may have a climb. Like Willi Castro, Zack Short is brand new to the outfield, and trying to learn a new position at the MLB level is less than ideal.

Likewise, Short has struggled with his strikeout numbers like Goodrum and is working on making some mechanics changes with his bat path to help yield more contact, and thus help to leverage his speed which is currently in the 83rd percentile in baseball.