Analyzing Detroit Tigers' third base battle between Jace Jung and Matt Vierling

The Detroit Tigers are in a strange spot. They made the playoffs in 2024, but some think it may have been a fluke. They have plenty of young talent and still have one of the top farm systems in MLB. The problem is, if they have a chance to make it to the playoffs again they may have to sacrifice some development of players and prioritize a more experienced (and perhaps more) talented veteran. They are staring this decision in the face heading into spring training as it pertains to the third base position.

Third base is officially a question mark since "he who shall not be named" signed with the Boston Red Sox. There are two obvious options and it will be a true battle for the starting spot in the lineup.

Last year, the Tigers deployed a platoon of Matt Vierling and Jace Jung at third after the departure of Gio Urshela. For the most part, it worked out. There were pros and cons of each player at the position. Coming into 2025, it looks like those two will man the position in some capacity again. But will somebody garner most of the reps, or will it be a platoon?

Detroit Tigers Position Battle: Matt Vierling vs Jace Jung (Third Base)

In one corner, we have Matt Vierling. The 28-year-old was originally acquired from the Phillies in 2023 in a trade that sent Gregory Soto to Philly. Since then, the versatile Vierling has settled into a super-utility role in the Motor City. Last season, Vierling played at least 10 games at all three outfield positions and third base. He also logged one game at first base. It is fair to speculate that the Tigers will value his versatility too much to give him an everyday role at a single position. Some players perform better when they play everywhere in the field, but if Vierling can secure and handle an everyday role, third base is there for the taking.

Vierling hit .257 with 16 home runs last year. It isn't exactly All-Star level production, but it's not unacceptable. Vierling's defense may be his biggest flaw in his battle. A .982 fielding percentage isn't exactly elite, but it isn't awful either. To me, he stands a strong case to win the job given his all-around capabilities.

In the other corner, we have Jace Jung. The No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft debuted last year once the full youth movement was underway. Jung came up and had a modest start to his MLB career. After sporting a .241 average with only five extra-base hits, it is clear that power may be a struggle for this youngster.

The 24-year-old Jung need more time to develop, which is to be expected. One could argue that Jung should be given the third base job because of his age and the Tigers' commitment to their young talent. But are his numbers are strong enough to keep him around? This is not to write off Jung altogether, but strictly for the 2025 season, he will need a promising spring training if he wants consistent at-bats.

Vierling has the performance numbers over Jung on both offense and defense. Jung has the age and upside. There is a good chance that this battle could go deep into the spring. If Vierling is to win the job, Jung needs to go to Toledo and refine his craft because it would be a shame to see Vierling start at third, and Jung just rot away on the bench at such a young age.

If Jung wins the job, Vierling will almost certainly find regular playing time in the outfield and on days other infielders need off. Either way, both of these players should factor in as notable contributors in 2025.