Kerry Carpenter continues to shine with the Detroit Tigers

Kerry Carpenter continues to hit for the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers might have found a keeper. The former 19th round pick of the 2019 MLB draft, Kerry Carpenter has done nothing but hit for the Detroit Tigers. Carpenter is proving why he can be a long-term piece for the Detroit Tigers moving forward.

Last season in 113 major league at-bats, Carpenter was very impressive. He posted on OPS of .795, with an OPS+ of 127. So far in 2023, he has been just as good. Through the first 14 games, Carpenter has hit two home runs, to a tune of an .801 OPS.

Carpenter's hard hit percentage is at 52.2 (league average is 38.6), with his strikeout rate down from last season, plus his walk rate being up. Carpenter looks very comfortable in the box and that is showing with AJ Hinch consistently hitting him in the middle of the order.

Kerry Carpenter was expected to be a platoon player this year for the Tigers, but he could change that due to his strong play. The advanced numbers are heavily favoring Carpenter as well as seen below:

Kerry Carpenter is a great story for the Tigers that fans hope will continue. The talking point for Carpenter this year will be how well he can hit left-handed pitching. Carpenter was only given 23 plate appearances last year versus lefties and only hit .217.

So far in 2023 Carpenter has just one plate appearance versus a left-handed pitcher, an at-bat where he struck out. Hopefully as the season goes along and Carpenter continues to produce, AJ Hinch will give him more and more opportunities against southpaws.

The Detroit Tigers will continue their homestand against the Guardians starting Monday. After their three-game set against Cleveland, they will welcome the young and upcoming Baltimore Orioles. The Tigers have had a very tough schedule to start the season and hopefully the strong play of Kerry Carpenter can continue to help the Tigers exceed expectations in 2023.