Tigers’ unlikely hero named one of MLB’s most valuable utility players

One of the major themes of the Detroit Tigers' season to this point has been contributions from unlikely heroes. Whether it's Spencer Torkelson and Casey Mize finally realizing their potential as No. 1 picks or Javy Báez turning into a power-hitting center fielder overnight, The Tigers have seen no shortage of pleasant surprises so far in 2025.

Perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises, though, has been utility man Zach McKinstry. The 30-year-old has played five different positions for the Tigers this season, but he has proven that he is more than just a bottom-of-the-order role player with increased production at the plate as well.

Jeffrey Lutz of MLB.com recently named McKinstry one of the top seven super-utility men in baseball who are thriving through their versatility this season. McKinstry has earned that status, Lutz wrote, "by not only being able to play multiple positions and bat anywhere in the order, but by being dependable while doing so."

Tigers’ unlikely hero Zach McKinstry named one of MLB’s most valuable utility players in 2025

For most of his career, McKinstry has been viewed as a glove-first player best deployed off the bench. As Lutz pointed out, however, more positional flexibility has coincided with increased offensive production for McKinstry in 2025.

Last season, McKinstry spent most of his time on the infield, playing 48 games at shortstop, 38 at third base and 18 at second base. This year, however, he has been spending more time in the outfield, with 31 of of his 47 games coming in either right field or left field. His offensive numbers this season are also some of the best of his career, featuring a .277/.357/.409 slash line and an exceptional .875 OPS against left-handed pitching.

The Tigers first took a chance on McKinstry because they saw value beyond his bat, but defensive versatility is no longer his lone redeeming quality. He is among the best Tigers players this season with a 1.4 WAR (while still playing five different positions). McKinstry is more than just a feel-good story for the Tigers this season; he's one of the primary reasons they are sitting atop the American League standings.

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