Tigers top prospect's versatility is perfect for the Scott Harris, AJ Hinch system

The biggest offseason question for the Detroit Tigers has undoubtedly been the lack of clarity around the third base position. With highly coveted free agent Alex Bregman passing up a competitive offer to play in the Motor City, it has opened up a healthy competition at the position for the Tigers heading into the 2025 season.

While Matt Vierling and Jace Jung are considered the favorites to man the hot corner when the team breaks camp in March, 22 year old Hao-Yu Lee is quickly forcing his name into the conversation. In 2024 with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, Lee posted an impressive .851 OPS and 12 homers over 87 games. His performance during his first season at Double-A earned him a spot in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game. His success, since being acquired for Michael Lorenzen from the Phillies in 2023, also earned him a non-roster invite to spring training, where he is taking reps at third base.

Although Lee is garnering national buzz at the start at spring training, his chances of starting the season in Detroit seem slim. He has not yet played Triple-A ball in Toledo and will likely need extra time to develop. His injury history is also noteworthy as his 2024 season was cut short due to lower back inflammation, which has the potential to turn into a lingering concern.

Hao-Yu Lee's versatility represents Tigers values after successful 2024

Despite being tested at third base in camp, Lee only started nine games at the position during his time with the SeaWolves. His other 77 defensive starts at Erie took place at second base. As a result, the Taiwanese infielder provides an asset that is highly coveted by Scott Harris and AJ Hinch: positional flexibility.

When crafting lineup cards in 2024, Hinch utilized Zach McKinstry, Andy Ibañez, Gio Urshela, and Matt Vierling in various different defensive roles to maximize Detroit's competitive advantage in the batter's box. When he is inevitably called up to the majors, Lee may seemingly fit perfectly into an infield utility role.

Even with these uncertainties looming, the identification and progression of Lee's value to the organization may strengthen fan confidence in Scott Harris. In addition to Lee, Harris has curated trades to acquire Trey Sweeney and Thayron Liranzo, both of whom are currently providing a youthful presence in Lakeland. Harris is also responsible for drafting Baseball America's 23rd-ranked prospect, Kevin McGonigle, who has spent time at second base and shortstop in the minors. While questions are likely to remain regarding infield stability in 2025, there is the potential for long-term promise.

Not landing Bregman has provided an opportunity for players such as Hao-Yu Lee to garner attention before the Tigers open spring training play on Saturday afternoon. It is only fitting that a relatively unknown, versatile Scott Harris acquisition has turned into a source of optimism for Tigers fans after missing out on a blockbuster free agent. Lee's situation encapsulates exactly what this new-age front office and organization are trying to grow, and it will be exciting to see his story continue.