Max Anderson's greatest MLB road block may be Tigers' most underappreciated rookie

Although John Peck had an admirable night on Wednesday, collecting two hits and three RBI to help Detroit to an 11-6 win, the Tigers' decision to neglect Max Anderson when rosters expanded is still a head-scratcher.

They'll have to make a move in the offseason, given that Anderson is eligible for the Rule 5 draft, but why not now, when he's hitting still hitting over .300 in Triple-A? Why Peck, who spent all of six games in Toledo before and after a long IL stint?

With Gleyber Torres leaving in the offseason, it's easy enough to figure out how the Tigers might fit Anderson into the picture in 2027 ... or is it?

A Torres-less infield could mean Spencer Torkelson at first, Anderson at second, Kevin McGonigle at shortstop and third, and maybe Colt Keith at third, but the Tigers also have Peck, Javy Báez, and Hao-Yu Lee to consider.

Lee could be the stumbling block Anderson is running into here. The defense needs a lot of work, but he just won't stop hitting. Even through the Tigers' miserable August, he hit .276 with a .778 OPS. If the Tigers decide they need Lee as a fixture in the lineup as much as, say, McGonigle, where does that put Anderson?

Hao-Yu Lee's ascension might be putting Tigers in a tough position with Max Anderson

Both Lee and Anderson are second and third basemen who have spent far more time at second. Lee's defense grades out poorly at both, but worse at third. Anderson is also better at the apex. Assuming McGonigle will be the lineup everyday, bouncing between third and sharing shortstop with Javy Báez, that would leave Lee and Anderson to duke it out for primary reps at second, while also filling in behind McGonigle on days when he's at short.

This is doable, but it might also do a disservice to both Lee and Anderson (and it doesn't even take into account where Keith might hop around to, taking away perhaps even more reps). Lee has proven this season that he belongs in the majors, and Anderson might be the most exciting hitter in the Tigers' organization right now.

The Tigers might have declined to bring up Anderson on Sept. 1 because they're still trying to figure out what their priorities are. They could trade Anderson in the offseason, or maybe even one of Torkelson or Keith to open up first base. Either way, it looks like they're choosing to prioritize Lee right now, and he's earned it.

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