3 key questions the new Detroit Tigers GM needs an answer to

1. ‘Why do you feel Jonathan Schoop and Jeimer Candelario had down seasons and how do they fit into the 2023 club?’

Two different situations, but pretty similar 2022 seasons–Jonathan Schoop and Jeimer Candelario were players the Detroit Tigers were counting on to stabilize the middle part of the order to provide some length to the lineup while Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson got acclimated to the big leagues.

Schoop is slashing .203/.237/.317 with nine home runs currently, while Candy is .198/.260/.337 with 10 home runs. Schoop has been a replacement-level player thanks in part to his swift defense at second base while Candelario has been slightly below replacement level, according to Baseball-Reference.

I know batting average isn’t all it has been cracked up to be as a stat, but those slash lines are unplayable if the Tigers are intent on winning. In the case of Candelario, there is a decision to be made on whether to tender him a contract.

Normally it’s a pretty easy decision–cut ties, save $6 million, and move along. However, this free agent class of third baseman isn’t anything to salivate over. Arenado has a player option while Justin Turner, Evan Longoria, and Joey Wendle have club options. Outside of that, it’s Brandon Drury, Maikel Franco, Matt Duffy, and Marwin Gonzalez, according to Spotrac.

Additionally, we’ve seen how the plan of gifting roster spots to prospects has gone with even high-end talent. Awarding Ryan Kreidler with an opening day starting position would be beyond risky not only for winning next year but also for his development.

In the case of Schoop, he is likely to opt-in on the second year of his contract according to a recent Detroit News article, which means Detroit will be on the hook for his $7.5 million salary regardless of whether they intend to keep him. It’s a strange spot for Schoop and the Tigers because while his offense does not warrant a starting role, much of his value is tied to his defense at second base.

If they intend to keep Schoop but reduce him to a bench role, it likely takes away some of that value because he’s likely splitting time at first and third base too. If they keep playing him there every day, they risk another unplayable offensive season. Not a great position to be in.