00:00Welcome everyone, to the opening of Tigers spring training in Lakeland, while A.J. Hinch
00:05now commands a squad with more cemented roles than in previous years, the definitive message
00:10from the leadership group persists without alteration, baseball operations president
00:14Scott Harris set the tone early this offseason stating, good teams have a ton of competition
00:19and we're going to have a ton of competition for opportunity in spring training, that competition
00:24is coming from a fresh wave of prospects, players working their way back from injury,
00:29and an organization hungry for more after consecutive, heartbreaking Game 5 losses in the
00:35American League Division Series. With so much to watch, let's take an early swing at projecting
00:40the opening day roster. Behind the plate, we're looking at two catchers, Dylan Dingler and Jake
00:45Rogers. Last spring, Dingler was the young backup pushing for time, but when Rogers went down with
00:51a left oblique injury early last season, the dynamic shifted completely. An interesting side note,
00:57Rogers caught newcomer Frambois Valdez several times back in 2016 and 2017 in the lower levels
01:03of the Astros farm system. It'll be fascinating to see how that old battery reconnects this spring.
01:09At first base, it's Spencer Torkelson's spot. Remember last spring when he was taking outfield
01:14reps to increase his versatility? That experiment is over. Torx started 144 games at first last year and is
01:20poised for a similar workload. Provided he produces, keep an eye on Josue Braseno, MLB Pipeline's
01:27number 40 overall prospect at first base in camp, but he's still got development ahead. The middle
01:32infield has clarity. At second base, it's Glaber Torres, who accepted the Tigers' one-year
01:39qualifying offer in free agency. With one of baseball's lowest chase rates and a walk rate
01:44in the 95th percentile last season, his return is a major boost. He's back as the everyday guy,
01:53looking to show his full capability. After a sports hernia hampered him down the stretch in 2025,
01:59shortstop features two names, Javier Baez and Zach McKinstry. Baseball's number two prospect Kevin
02:05McGonigal could force an interesting conversation with a huge spring, but unless the 21-year-old proves
02:11he's ready after finishing last year at AA Erie, the likely scenario is Baez and McKinstry splitting time.
02:17Baez could also see action in center field again after impressing there as an injury fill-in.
02:22The hot corner belongs to Colt Keith. After working out at first, second, and third this
02:27offseason, Torres' return solidified Keith at third base, a position he handled well after
02:33shifting there midseason last year. It'll be intriguing to see how he looks with a full
02:37offseason dedicated to the spot. The outfield is a deep group. We have four outfielders for three
02:42spots, or four if you include DH, Riley Green, Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling, and Wensiel Perez.
02:50A healthy Vierling and Perez allow for rotation at all three positions, giving Green and Meadows
02:55occasional rest while setting up favorable matchups, particularly in right field. At designated hitter,
03:01it's Kerry Carpenter's primary role. He'll get some outfield time, but the big question is whether
03:06he earns more at-bats against left-handed pitching after delivering some clutch hits off
03:10Southpaws last season, including his home runoff Gabe Spire in Game 5 of the ALDS. For the bench
03:16utility spot, Jamai Jones steps into the lefty killer role Andy Ibanez filled. However, Jones is
03:23more limited defensively, which impacts his usage. If he struggles, this could open the door for
03:29infield prospects How You Lee or Max Anderson, who both hit lefties well at AAA Toledo last year.
03:36The starting rotation is taking shape. The addition of Frambois Valdez solidifies a strong top four
03:41and creates a healthy battle for the fifth spot. That spot would logically go to Reese Olsen,
03:47but he hasn't pitched in a game since last July, recovering from a right shoulder strain.
03:52The Tigers will be cautious, especially with talents like Troy Melton and Drew Anderson
03:56deserving a chance to start. In the bullpen, we project eight arms. Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan,
04:02Will Vest, Tyler Holton, Drew Anderson, Brant Hurter, Brennan Hannafee, and Bailey Horn.
04:06A key question, Will A. Jay Hinch name a closer this year. He has three relievers with closing
04:11experience, but Kenley Jansen's Hall of Fame resume and impressive 2025 campaign make the 38-year-old
04:18the logical primary option. At the other end, several swingmen could serve as long relievers
04:23in Detroit or depth starters in Toledo. Drew Anderson's major league contract effectively
04:28assures him a role, whether in the rotation or the pen. So, there you have it. Tigers Nation.
04:34A roster full of known quantities, fierce competition, and a collective drive to push
04:38beyond the division series. What position battle are you watching the closest as we kick off this
04:43spring?
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