Detroit Tigers: 5 prospects to watch during spring training

Jun 28, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA;  Toledo Mud Hens second baseman Colt Keith (39) warms up prior to
Jun 28, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Toledo Mud Hens second baseman Colt Keith (39) warms up prior to | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA
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Justyn-Henry Malloy

From a prospect who's a virtual lock to one that's virtually blocked, Malloy seems like a longshot to make the team at the moment, and it's not because of his bat. That's good enough to get a shot at the big league level. The question lies with his glove.

He has not graded out well defensively at any position he's played. He was horrendous at third base, which is unfortunate because he could have been the answer at that position. In the outfield, he hasn't bee much better, though it sounds like that's where his future lies.

Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press talked about Malloy's defensive future in the "Days of Roar" podcast, and he said it's going to be in the outfield. That makes sense since there really isn't another place for him, other than maybe first base. He might just end up being a DH at the big league level.

Malloy is going to have to hit his way on to the roster. Either that, or somebody will have to get injured, though we certainly don't want that to happen. JHM has a big spring ahead of him.

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