Why Tigers should already be considering this change for Eduardo Valencia in 2027

Eduardo Valencia has played in less than 30 games since his MLB debut in July, but he makes something abundantly clear every time he gets a starter: the guy can hit.

Since his first at-bat, a pinch-hit homer on July 9, he's hit five more homers with 16 more RBI. All told, he's batting .313 with a .956 OPS in 83 at-bats. He doesn't walk ... ever, pretty much, but when he hits the ball, he hits it hard.

Valencia has gotten 10 starts at catcher, a brief appearance at first base, and eight starts at DH out of 15 total appearances. We might see more of him behind the plate through September as Dillon Dingler continues to struggle offensively, but the Tigers might want to consider a different long-term strategy: stick with a more full-time DH.

He's a below-average defensive catcher, and the Tigers could find their next Jake Rogers easily enough during the offseason. No. 5 prospect Josue Briceño is also knocking on the door, and although he projects better as a first baseman, the Tigers will want to see what he's capable of behind Dingler before making that move.

Tigers should consider a full-time DH if Eduardo Valencia keeps hitting this well

Tigers fans know that sticking with a single DH is a bigger ask of the team than some might think. Their roster was built to be fluid, and it's rare that AJ Hinch DH's a player for more than two games in a row.

During June and July, Dingler's bat proved to be so valuable that he was DH'ing when he wasn't behind the plate. Colt Keith is also a regular DH, and Kerry Carpenter will presumably get plenty of reps there in 2027. Even Kevin McGonigle has appeared there twice this season.

The key for the Tigers' offseason (other than shoring up the bullpen in a massive way) might be trimming the fat and figuring where their priorities lie. The Tigers are a very young squad, but some of these guys are already proving that they deserve more full-time roles.

Fluidity has worked for the Tigers in the past, but it might be time to buckle down, even if means parting with a few guys once viewed as being staples of the lineup in the past.

The Tigers and fans will certainly want to see more of Valencia at the plate through the rest of the season to see if this success is actually sustainable, but he's off to a great start.

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