4 Tigers who will make 2024 Opening Day roster, but won't last the season

Akil Baddoo

Akil Baddoo is someone who many people are surprised is still here. He seemed like a very obvious trade candidate for this offseason. But, here he is, even signed to a contract for the 2024 season to avoid arbitration.

He could still be traded between now and the start of the season, but with how quiet things have been on that front, that doesn't seem likely. With that being said, it does seem likely that he will win a spot on the 2024 Opening Day roster.

With Riley Greene being relegated to DH duty for the time being, and Matt Vierling likely to win the third base job, the Tigers need a fourth outfielder. Mark Canha, Parker Meadows, and Kerry Carpenter will most likely be the starters in the outfield. That leaves the Tigers with a need for a fourth outfielder, and Baddoo is the most logical candidate.

But, Greene will only need to be a DH for a chunk of the season, not the whole thing. Once he's ready to play the outfield again, there won't be a need for Baddoo anymore. The Tigers can cycle through any players they want at DH.

Baddoo has two minor league options left, so they can simply stash him in Triple-A. He's good depth for if somebody gets injured.