With spring training games underway that started with the Aaron Judge show yesterday in the Yankees 20-3 win over Detroit, to the 4-4 on Sunday in the home opener to Baltimore, in the spirit of spring training, it's time to start our first Opening Day roster prediction. 

The Trey Sweeney injury could force the issue with Kevin McGonigle...or not but the focus here is on roster balance: defensive flexibility, matchup versatility, and how A.J. Hinch typically values players who allow him to move pieces around late in games. With several competitions still unfolding, this projection reflects where things stand right now based on roster construction, past usage, and organizational priorities.

Catchers: 

Both Dillon Dingler and Jake Rogers form one of the strongest defensive catching duos in the league, giving the Tigers a reliable run-prevention foundation behind the plate. A bonus layer of depth sits in Toledo with Tomas Nido, who brings defensive value and major-league experience as a safety net if needed.

Infielders: 

This portion of the projected roster feels fairly straightforward. The right side of the infield is mostly settled, while the left side offers more flexibility. Keith is expected to get every opportunity to establish himself at third base, while McKinstry’s versatility allows him to move around the diamond, including time at third when needed.

Outfielders/DH

Kerry Carpenter’s hamstring issues limited him at times, but when healthy, he, like Colt Keith, produced better offensive results while playing the field. The Tigers need his bat in the lineup, and Perez’s ability to switch-hit gives the club flexibility, allowing Carpenter to slide into the designated hitter role while maintaining lineup balance.

Bench/DH:

This group assumes Vierling is healthy heading into Opening Day and that McGonigle earns a spot on the roster, at least for now, based on the strength of his overall skill set. Báez’s versatility gives the Tigers coverage across multiple infield spots, while Jones adds outfield depth and matchup value. If McGonigle does go north, it reflects both his development and the organization’s confidence in his ability to contribute early while providing additional flexibility off the bench.

Starting Rotation:

The rotation projects as one of the roster’s biggest strengths on paper, blending established front-end talent with veteran experience and stability. Skubal anchors the group after emerging as a frontline arm, while Flaherty and Valdez give Detroit a strong mix of two opposite mixes, one being swing and miss and the other is driving the ball into the ground in Valdez. Verlander brings experience and innings presence, while Mize looks to build off a good 2025 season in which he finished with a FIP of 3.89 and fWAR of 2.4. Not too shabby for a fifth starter. 

Bullpen: 

For now, Dylan Smith gets the edge over Beau Brieske for the final bullpen spot. Both are on the 40-man roster, and this decision could easily change as camp progresses, but Smith, like Brieske, brings value as a former minor-league starter capable of handling multiple innings. This projection leans more on roster construction and a bit of instinct than anything definitive, with the understanding that performance over the final weeks of camp could shift the picture quick.

This is very much a first snapshot of where the roster stands, and the final bullpen spot remains one of the most fluid decisions heading into Opening Day. I’m fully aware that Beau Brieske brings more major-league experience than Dylan Smith, but for now this projection leans toward Smith as a slight edge based more on roster construction and a gut feel than anything set in stone.

In reality, both pitchers still have work to do Brieske will need to go out and have a strong, clean spring to reclaim the spot, and the same applies to Smith if he wants to hold onto it. That’s the nature of these early projections: roles can shift quickly once games begin, and the final weeks of camp will ultimately decide who locks down the last few spots.

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