Spring training ignites fierce battles for shortstop depth, defining outfield roles, and aligning catching priorities as the Tigers shape their roster.
Breaking Down the Tigers’ 3 Biggest Spring Training Position Battles
As the Detroit Tigers open spring training in Lakeland, much of the roster appears settled. The projected rotation is largely in place, several everyday positions are accounted for, and the bullpen hierarchy is clearer than in previous years.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t important competitions.
Rather than wide-open starting jobs, this spring is about role definition, depth alignment, and how the organization prioritizes stability versus upside. Here are three position areas that carry the most significance heading into camp.
1. Shortstop: Experience vs. Internal Options
The Candidates: Javier Báez Zack McKinstry Trey Sweeney Kevin McGonigle
Shortstop is the most visible position question entering camp.
Báez started 63 games at shortstop in 2025 and remains the most experienced defender on the roster at the position. The Tigers have consistently emphasized defense up the middle, and if Báez provides steady play in the field with improved offensive production, the role likely remains his.
Behind him, the situation becomes more layered.
McKinstry has appeared across the diamond throughout his career, including time at shortstop, but his primary value comes from versatility. His career usage shows more extensive time at second and third base, along with corner outfield reps. He profiles more naturally as a utility option capable of filling multiple spots rather than a full-time shortstop.
Sweeney presents a more traditional infield alternative. If he shows consistent defense and competitive at-bats this spring, he could position himself as depth with a clearer path to starts if needed. But unless he can pick it up at the plate, he more than likely will be heading to Toledo.
McGonigle remains the longer-term upside play. His developmental trajectory will be monitored closely, but it would require a significant spring performance to alter the Opening Day plan. That said, how the Tigers distribute innings in March will provide insight into how close they believe he is.
This competition carries two realistic outcomes.
One is that Kevin McGonigle positions himself as the long-term answer at shortstop, allowing the Tigers to give him a full developmental runway in 2026 while knowing the future is approaching. That would not necessarily require an immediate Opening Day promotion, but a strong spring could clarify where he stands in the organizational timeline.
The other outcome is a more layered approach, a rotation of internal options behind Javier Báez, potentially including looks from players such as Trei Cruz depending on performance and depth needs. That structure would prioritize flexibility and depth rather than a single designated backup.
This competition is less about replacing an incumbent and more about establishing the depth order behind Báez while determining how much positional flexibility the Tigers want to carry on the bench.
Manager A.J. Hinch has consistently valued lineup versatility, particularly the ability to move pieces between the infield and outfield without sacrificing defense. How this shortstop depth chart settles will influence not only the Opening Day alignment, but the overall bench construction.
2. Outfield Alignment and Role Distribution
The projected outfield mix includes: Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, Matt Vierling and Jahmai Jones
Meadows projects as the primary center fielder, with Greene likely seeing extended time in left. Pérez provides additional coverage across the grass, while Carpenter remains one of the lineup’s more productive bats. Carpenter, similar to Colt Keith’s split trends, has historically produced better when active defensively rather than serving exclusively as designated hitter.
That creates a distribution question between outfield innings and DH at-bats.
Vierling’s role remains tied to versatility. He can rotate between the infield and outfield and handle multiple defensive assignments, making him a natural roster stabilizer.
Jones adds a clearer matchup dimension. In 2025, he hit .288 with seven home runs in 104 at-bats against left-handed pitching, drawing 15 walks and producing consistent extra-base power in those situations. That production gives him a defined role as a right-handed option against left-handed starters.
If the Tigers look to manage Carpenter’s exposure in certain matchups, Jones could see starts in the corner outfield against left-handed pitching. His ability to move between outfield and infield spots further strengthens his case for a bench role built around platoon usage.
Spring training usage will clarify several practical elements:
- Who consistently backs up center field
- How often Jones is deployed against left-handed pitching
- Whether Carpenter’s defensive workload increases
- How Vierling’s innings are distributed
This is not a traditional starting job competition. It is a structural decision about matchup leverage and bench efficiency. Jones’ 2025 splits suggest he can contribute in a targeted role, and how often that role is used will shape the final roster balance.
3. Catching Depth and Triple-A Structure
At the major-league level, the catching tandem appears stable. The more consequential question involves depth alignment.
Tomás Nido is the likely third-catcher option and profiles as experienced insurance at Triple-A Toledo. His defensive reliability and familiarity with big-league pitching staffs make him a logical depth piece.
Behind that, the developmental structure becomes relevant.
Eduardo Valencia is expected to receive more defensive reps at first base, allowing him to remain in the lineup more frequently while continuing to develop offensively. That positional flexibility can be valuable at the Triple-A level, especially if the organization prioritizes consistent at-bats over strict positional repetition.
Spring usage patterns will clarify:
- Which catcher works most frequently with projected major-league starters?
- How often Valencia appears at first base versus behind the plate?
- Whether Nido is used primarily in defensive situations or given regular offensive opportunity.
The Tigers must balance immediate readiness with long-term development. Carrying a reliable third catcher at Toledo ensures roster stability. Expanding Valencia’s defensive profile provides flexibility and preserves lineup continuity at the minor-league level. He is as I have mentioned before, a work in progress behind the plate but if he continues to mash, he may force the Tigers hand in some way shape or form. The jump from Triple-A to Detroit is huge but he will have plenty of reps in spring training to see what he is capable of.
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