Detroit Tigers: 4 way too early offseason needs for 2024

The Detroit Tigers needs for this upcoming offseason are already forming

The Detroit Tigers just past the 40-game mark of the regular season, meaning they are a quarter of the way through the season. The teams strengths and weaknesses are already beginning to show. Today, we're going to focus on the weaknesses.

The offseason is still a long ways away, but it's never too early to talk about the offseason. Here's our top four way too early offseason needs for the Detroit Tigers in 2024.

1. Second base

The Tigers will be headed into the 2023-24 offseason without a true second baseman on the roster. Sure they have Zach McKinstry and Nick Maton, but both of those players seem to be platoon players at the moment, though McKinstry might play his way into an everyday role.

Jonathan Schoop will be off this team, one way or another, by this offseason. It may even happen by the end of the month. So the Detroit Tigers are going to need a second baseman.

Unfortunately the free agent options there are not great, similar to the free agent class of third baseman this past offseason. You'd likely be looking at either Kolten Wong or Adam Frazier if they chose to go the free agent route. Not exactly inspiring.

If you look at players who primarily play shortstop, one intriguing option is Enrique "Kike" Hernandez of the Boston Red Sox. He can also play the outfield too, and we all know the Tigers love positional versatility. Sadly, he hasn't hit very well each of the last two years, so that may not be a viable option.

So more than likely, Scott Harris will either have to swing a trade or fill the position internally. Wenceel Perez, Ryan Kreidler, and Andre Lipcius could be candidates there.

3. Bullpen arms

While the Tigers bullpen has improved drastically from the beginning of the season, Scott Harris cannot use band-aid solutions once again. He needs to get proven, major league arms for this bullpen.

Right now, the Tigers have two arms that A.J. Hinch can 100% trust in Jason Foley and Alex Lange. After that, it gets a bit shaky. Jose Cisnero has quieted down a bit after an abysmal start to the season, but I'm still skeptical. Tyler Holton as a lefty has been solid, but can you really trust him in leverage?

There are quite a few high-profile bullpen arms on the free agent market this offseason, but I don't see Scott Harris spending around $15 million a year on a reliever. To be quite honest, that's not a very smart use of financial resources anyway. So no Josh Hader, probably.

But there are other arms like Ryne Stanek, Emilio Pagan, and former Tigers Michael Fulmer and Joe Jimenez that would be much more in the Tigers' price range. They don't have to break the bank for a reliever or two. We just want to see more than a bunch of minor league signings.

4. Right-handed hitting outfielder

The Tigers have ton of lefty bats in the outfield—Riley Greene, Akil Baddoo, and Austin Meadows and Kerry Carpenter when healthy. What they seriously lack is a solid right-handed bat in the outfield.

Matt Vierling has had his moments, but he's very inconsistent. He may be better off as a fourth outfielder like he was in Philly. Fortunately, looking at the free agent market, there are three free agent RHH OF that catch the eye.

Teoscar Hernandez is the first one. He's off to a rough start with Seattle this year, but he has a history of being a productive power hitter. If he continues to struggle, it may be worth it to offer him a one-year prove-it deal.

Hunter Renfroe is another option. He's off to a pretty good start for the Angels and also has a history of hitting for power. Randal Grichuk could be a cheaper option. He's off to a scorching start for Colorado, though it's only 60 plate appearances.

There's always the trade market as well. The Tigers desparately need a right-handed power bat in the outfield, and they have options this offseason.