Detroit Tigers: Matt Vierling has a chance to bring value to roster in 2023

The Detroit Tigers may find plenty of use for Matt Vierling in 2023.

The Detroit Tigers made a trade almost two weeks ago to move reliever Gregory Soto to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for three prospects. Matt Vierling was one of the players that came back to the Tigers in exchange for Soto.

In a recent piece about the trade, I suggested that Vierling will bring versatility to the Detroit Tigers. I talked about his ability to slot in all over the field and bring some improvements to the Tigers' roster moving forward.

As Spring Training inches closer, I expect Vierling to be worked out all over the field to figure out where he will be best used. However, it feels like Vierling will end up being more serviceable than someone like Akil Baddoo.

While Baddoo was once one of the most exciting players on the roster due to how he took the league by storm, now he will be a player who is easily replaceable if nothing changes and he picks up his performance.

Vierling has the tools and abilities to settle in as an outfielder with the Tigers. After proving he could hang in the big leagues in 2022 for the Phillies, Vierling will come into Spring ball looking to lock down an outfielder spot.

The toolsy and athletic profile that Vierling has is going to help him prove to be a benefit. If nothing else, his defense should be worlds better than Akil Baddoo. The Tigers need to see how things turn out after Spring Training.

After all, he's fresh off of a season where he hit .246/.297/.351 where he had 20 extra-base hits; if he can do something like this for the Tigers, it'll likely help him hold down a job in the Tigers' outfield in 2023. I'm more up on Vierling than Baddoo, but Spring ball will be a great chance to see how he handles the adjustment.

Vierling can play himself into the lineup with a strong Spring. There's good reason to believe that Vierling will be starting by the time Opening Day rolls around.

With Riley Greene expected to be in the lineup and Austin Meadows returning, he will likely end up seeing time in left field. However, it was indicated that he would be considered for the third base role.

Vierling may not be a former top-tier draft pick, but he can still bring value to the Tigers. It's not to say he will come out swinging like an all-star. But, with thin outfield options after Victor Reyes and both Harold & Willi Castro were gotten rid of, Vierling has a chance to earn playing time and hold down a spot right off the bat.