Obscure Mets-Tigers connection could give Jake Rogers some trouble in spring training

Spring training competitions aren’t always loud. Sometimes, they’re subtle. And in Lakeland this year, there’s a quiet dynamic that could matter more than it looks for the Detroit Tigers: Tomás Nido is the only catcher at camp who has caught Justin Verlander before.

That may not sound seismic. In the end, it probably won't be. But in a Tigers camp built on pitching structure, trust and tempo, it’s not nothing.

Manager A.J. Hinch has never wavered on the idea that catching starts with defense. The ability to control the running game, manage pitch tempo, read swings, adjust sequencing, and command a staff when innings threaten to unravel are all part of the entry point. The bat is merely a bonus.

That’s why Jake Rogers has kept a firm hold on his roster spot. His offensive production can fluctuate, but pitchers trust him. His framing metrics have graded well. He blocks consistently. He runs a game the way Hinch likes it run.

But here’s where things get interesting. Only three springs ago, when Verlander signed that massive deal with the New York Mets, it was Nido who was among the first catchers to work with him. Nido may not have caught Verlander once the Mets broke camp in 2023, but that early familiarity matters in March when pitchers are rebuilding feel and rhythm.

Mind you, Nido isn’t just some non-roster invitee hanging around at camp. He hit .343 in a brief stint with Detroit last season, and he's the most experienced MLB catcher the Tigers have in their system. Add that to the fact that he has already caught Verlander in high-profile spring settings, and Rogers may be starting to look over his shoulder.

Justin Verlander's familiarity with Tomás Nido could create uncomfortable situation for Tigers, Jake Rogers

To be clear, no one is suggesting Rogers is in danger of losing his job outright. If healthy, he and Dillon Dingler likely head north. But if Verlander prefers throwing to Nido in March, if the bullpen sessions look smoother, and if the game flow feels cleaner, that may create conversation.

Remember, the Tigers aren't lacking depth behind the dish. At Double-A and Triple-A, bats like Josue Briceño and Thayron Liranzo are coming fast. The organization certainly has offensive upside at the position, but the competition is about who checks every box.

Rogers’ value is reliability. Nido’s value is familiarity. And when a future Hall of Famer like Verlander is setting the tone in camp, familiarity carries weight.

If Verlander gravitates toward Nido in early starts, Rogers doesn’t lose his job. But he might lose margin for error. And in a Tigers camp defined by pitching ambition and defensive standards, margin matters. Especially when the most obscure connection in camp — a brief Mets overlap — suddenly feels relevant again.