Is Hao-Yu Lee Ready for an Everyday Role?

Did Hao-Yu Lee do enough to earn an everyday starting job for the Detroit Tigers in 2027? That is the question at hand.

It should come as no surprise that this question is being raised with the Tigers potentially ready to move on from Gleyber Torres. Torres, an All-Star one year removed from that distinction, did a phenomenal job with Detroit, but injuries limited him throughout last season.

While Torres dealt with those injuries, another Tiger was waiting in the shadows for his opportunity to flourish and spread his own wings.

Lee joined the Tigers on April 17 and remained with the club through June 1, when he was ultimately sent back to the minors to touch up a few aspects of his game. It didn't take long, though. You can't keep Lee down for long.

He rejoined the Tigers on June 13 and remained with the team for the rest of the season, eventually earning a true everyday role in the lineup.

His addition to the lineup couldn't go unnoticed.

Lee finished his rookie season batting .264 with 10 home runs, 46 RBIs and 87 hits. He also finished with 19 doubles, two triples, 29 walks, three stolen bases and a .322 on-base percentage.

Those numbers are impressive enough on their own, but Lee accomplished all of it as a rookie while carving out a significant role on a young Detroit roster.

Lee, along with Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark and Eduardo Valencia, helped cement the next wave of young talent in the Tigers' lineup. Detroit certainly experienced its frustrations throughout the season with so many young players being forced into action early, but that experience could pay major dividends moving forward.

Now, with the possibility that Torres has played his final game in Detroit, the question becomes simple: Can Lee be an everyday starter?

And if McGonigle moves back to his natural position at shortstop, would you rather see Lee at second base or third base?

For me, Lee has made every indication that he can be Detroit's everyday second baseman.

I like his defensive skill set at both second and third, but I believe quality second basemen with Lee's power are harder to find than quality third basemen.

If the Tigers continue to lean into Lee and his bat, there is no reason he shouldn't be starting 140 or more games next season.

The question is whether you agree.