Detroit Tigers: The 2022 Opening Day Dream Lineup

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Sep 28, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Eric Haase (13) celebrates his run with first baseman Jonathan Schoop (7) against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Batting 4th for your Detroit Tigers: Carlos Correa – SS

The rumor mill has been churning for a while now that the stars are aligning for the Tigers to spend big on a free agent for the first time in years.

This year’s crop of eligible superstars have some big names, and 5 of them can play shortstop. Correa, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Javier Baez, and Trevor Story will all be competing for big free-agent dollars.

The name Carlos Correa has been linked to the Tigers because of his connection with his former Astros manager AJ Hinch, who is of course now the manager of the Tigers.

While some injury history to his back worries me a bit, I can’t help but be excited that this rumor has some legs. Adding Correa to this team would no doubt validate the front office’s promise of contention. A World Series champion and someone who is leading the Astros to another fall classic this season, Correa knows how to win, and would be right at home in the 4th slot of this batting order.

Batting 5th – Jonathan Schoop – 2B

Tigers fans felt a big collective adrenaline rush when instead of trading Schoop mid-season, they signed him to an extension. Schoop has been a solid bat for the Tigers over the past two seasons, and after blasting 22 homers and collecting 84 RBI, he’s no doubt the right man to hit behind and protect Correa.

Schoop played a lot of first base in ’21, but he’ll slide back over to the position he’s played most of his career in ’22, with Torkelson’s arrival.

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