Detroit Tigers: 4 way too early offseason needs for 2024

2. Third base

Third base was a massive hole this past offseason, and the Tigers simply chose not to fill it. As a result, third base and second base have both been black holes offensively. Tigers second baseman are 20th in MLB in wRC+ (83) and third baseman are 29th in MLB (55).

The free agent class, while better than last year, still does not have a lot of options. Matt Chapman of the Blue Jays has a player option that he will likely use if he keeps up his hot start to the season, but it's hard to see the Tigers ponying up for him.

But the reason I have third base below second base in terms of level of need is because I think the Tigers are going to fill the position from within. It will likely either be Justyn-Henry Malloy or Colt Keith as the Opening Day third baseman in 2024.

I think it will be Keith if he's ready, but if not, it will be Malloy. Both are exciting young prospects that will hopefully breathe new life into this lineup.