Detroit Tigers: Nick Maton was a pleasant surprise in Spring Training

Detroit Tigers infielder Nick Maton adjusting nicely.

The Detroit Tigers traded Gregory Soto this off-season with Kody Clemens in a big move that sent him to the Philadelphia Phillies. In return, the Tigers brought in Donny Sands, Matt Vierling, and Nick Maton.

The way things have gone since the trade, it looks like the Tigers brought in three impactful players, with at least two of them vying for time at the MLB level. Nick Maton has been exceptional this Spring, really finding ways to get it done at the plate and impress.

After really doing an excellent job of settling in, the Tigers will be relying on Maton to play some infield for the squad in 2023. The 26-year-old came into Spring Training as one of the players involved in a positional battle, and he did everything he could to earn himself a spot on the big league roster.

His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he had an outstanding spring performance. It's one that has to leave many pleasantly surprised. The left-handed hitting infielder will likely play a lot of third base for the Tigers to start the 2023 season.

He will also be able to be plugged into the lineup as a middle infielder or even in the outfield, though his primary usage will come as an infielder in a Tigers uniform. He swung a scorching bat this spring and is looking to carry that right into the 2023 season.

This spring, Maton hit .313/.400/.667 with two doubles, five home runs, and 8 RBI over 48 at-bats. He got his fair share of looks in, and the Tigers were impressed with what they saw. He's still pretty green on big league play but has 216 career at-bats under his belt during his time with the Phillies.

He made his debut in 2021 and made appearances with the Phillies in both of the last two seasons. He's fresh off of 2022, where he played in 34 games and logged 72 at-bats while slashing .250/.341/.514 with two doubles, a triple, five home runs, and 17 RBI to his credit for Philadelphia.

Motor City Bengals Co-Expert Matthew Scheidel recently wrote about the Tigers' possible lineup for Thursday's Opening Day contest. He had Maton batting ninth for the Tigers and playing third base. After such an excellent spring performance, it's easy to see how the Tigers are going to give him the nod to start the season.

He may even creep up near the top of the lineup if he carries the hot bat into the season. Keep an eye on Maton; after he surprised many this Spring, he could be a piece of the Tigers' infield puzzle moving forward.