Detroit Tigers: 4 players with something to prove the rest of the season

OF Akil Baddoo

Remember that 2021 season, where we all thought the Tigers found an absolute gem in the Rule 5 Draft in Baddoo? He did everything you would want a left fielder to do — he had speed, power, and good plate discipline. The defense was a work in progress, but it looked like the Tigers had a budding star.

Fast forward two years, and we're all still wondering what happened. Baddoo hasn't even come close to being the same player we saw during that fantastic rookie campaign. The defense has improved dramatically, but other than still having a good eye and the occasional homer, he's completely lost at the plate.

It's hard to give up on him because he's still just 24 years old and we've seen how good he can be, but he may be running out of rope. Parker Meadows seems ready to take his roster spot down in Toledo. The Tigers can only stick with the subpar offense for so long.

Baddoo may very go down to Toledo very soon. Meadows has been crushing the ball since the start of June. They'd be better off giving him a look rather than giving ABs to someone hitting .214 with a 82 wRC+.