5 Detroit Tigers who could benefit from Opening Day roster expansion

Where to put Detroit Tigers infielder Isaac Paredes?

The Tigers have Willi Castro, Kody Clemens and Isaac Paredes on the 40-man roster to go with Harold Castro as the infielders. But one name that is in camp and is making noise is Ryan Kreidler, who has a meteoric rise through the Tigers farm system last season.

The fourth-round draft pick in 2019 out of UCLA has shown off his glove and arm range throughout the spring so far. What also helped is his power, which was on display today.

I think it’s safe to say he has surpassed Paredes in terms of importance on the next potential starter from the farm system from the infield. It’s not that Paredes can’t help the Tigers, but the question is, where? He has proven he can hit in the minors, so does he spend another season in Toledo or should Detroit trade him?

He has shown the ability to play second base, but with Schoop as your every day starter with Baez, and Candelario, it is now a question if he has a fit with the team anymore. He has a good eye and shown the ability to hit. With these known qualities for teams that need answers in their infield, Paredes having a good spring could help a roster elsewhere but not as an extra player on the roster.

Willi Castro’s 2021 season did not go as well as his 2020 season, where he struggled with his glove and with his bat, having a wRC+ of 61. Could he find his swing again? Sure, but he seems like his destination is Toledo.

Of these infielders on this list, like the outfield, the Tigers may have to make a tough decision on what to do. Kreidler’s performance last season is forcing the Tigers’ hand, which is a good problem to have.