Detroit Tigers set 2024 Opening Day roster with surprising final cut

Ladies and gentleman, it is done. The Detroit Tigers have finally set their 2024 Opening Day roster. It was a long and arduous process, but we're here. We know who will be coming north with the team when they take on the Chicago White Sox on Thursday to start the regular season.

The final cut made to the roster was a bit surprising. Another cut wasn't. Miguel Diaz was informed that he will not make the Opening Day roster, and since he's out of options, he'll likely get DFA'd.

Additionally, Beau Brieske was optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Alex Faedo and Joey Wentz have made the Opening Day roster.

Both myself, and my colleague Tyler Kotila have long thought that Faedo would be the odd man out in the bullpen, especially since with Brieske's stuff and Wentz's lack of options. But the Tigers opted to go with the former first round pick, giving them a solid multi-inning relief option in the process.

With that, the final roster is set. Here's how it shapes out:

Catchers: Jake Rogers, Carson Kelly

First base: Spencer Torkelson

Second base: Colt Keith

Third base: Andy Ibanez, Gio Urshela

Shortstop: Javier Baez

Outfield: Mark Canha, Parker Meadows, Riley Greene

DH: Kerry Carpenter

Bench: Matt Vierling, Zach McKinstry

Starting rotation: Tarik Skubal, Kenta Maeda, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, Casey Mize

Bullpen: Alex Lange, Jason Foley, Will Vest, Shelby Miller, Andrew Chafin, Tyler Holton, Alex Faedo, Joey Wentz

Carrying Wentz gives the Tigers a third lefty, with A.J. Hinch will find useful. Since Wentz doesn't have an option, he's a prime DFA candidate should he struggle like he did in the rotation last season.

It should be noted that just because a player makes the Opening Day roster, doesn't mean they'll be here all season. Not with the way this front office operates. This roster will be a revolving door all season long. For example, Brieske probably won't be down in Toledo that long. All it takes is one injury.

There you have it. The Opening Day roster has been finalized. Now, it's time for some real baseball. We can't wait.