Detroit Tigers: Zach McKinstry has proven to be a worthwhile addition

Detroit Tigers made a great move in adding Zach McKinstry.

The Detroit Tigers have had some ups and downs during the 2023 season. There has already been criticism of Scott Harris and his moves to this point. But one of the moves that Harris deserves some props for is the addition of Zach McKinstry.

Before the 2023 season began, in some last-minute roster shuffling, the Detroit Tigers brought in Zach McKinstry in exchange for minor-league Carlos Guzman after executing a trade with the Cubs. Frankly, the Tigers have gotten plenty out of McKinstry to this point, which should leave them thrilled with the output to this point.

Listen, McKinstry is not some amazing all-star player or someone who will be sticking around forever in a long-term role, but he's done a bang-up job for what the Tigers need. McKinstry was added in as a depth piece, It seemed, and he's been exceptional, given how much the Tigers have used him.

In 2023, McKinstry has played in 56 games for the Tigers, where he has slashed .253/.354/.398 with seven doubles, a triple, and five home runs. He's driven in 12 runs and is 10-for-11 on stealing bases this season as well.

The Tigers should be thrilled with that output. Given how the offense has struggled at times, there's no reason not to be happy about the level of performance that he's shown this season. Amongst qualified Tigers hitters, McKinstry is second in AVG/OBP/SLG on the team, behind Riley Greene only.

He's been one of the Tigers' best hitters in an offense that has struggled to do much of anything. On top of the value that McKinstry has been able to bring in the batters' box, he's been playing all over the field, slotting in wherever the Tigers need him to.

McKinstry has 28 games played in the oufield, 22 games at second base, 13 games at third base, and two games where he's appeared at shortstop. He's played the corner outfield and slotted in whenever and wherever the Tigers need. Heck, he's even got on the mound and pitched.

The former Central Michigan Chippewas standout has come alive after coming back to Michigan after spending a few years up in Mt. Pleasant. Indeed, the Tigers have been able to squeeze some value out of him.

It's got to be nice for Harris to see a move like this pan out so well. He's exceeded expectations and deserves a tip of the cap for how well he has done after stepping into the Tigers organization and getting it done.