Diana: If you think the Detroit Tigers’ offseason is just about chasing one big name, you are missing the real story brewing in Detroit right now. The roster battles aren’t coming—they’re here, and they are ugly.
Adam: That’s a bold opening, Diana. But looking at this list, it’s hard to argue with the chaos. We have eight relievers fighting for four spots, two shortstops who might not both be in the system next year, and an infield that needs defining before spring training even starts.
Diana: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we break down the game that matters most: what happens when the season ends. I’m Diana, and this is your daily Tigers breakdown. Adam, how are you doing?
Adam: I’m good, Diana. Just trying to keep up with the sheer volume of names on this 40-man roster. It’s a lot of baseball minds to juggle.
Diana: Before we dive into the trenches, let’s lay out exactly what we’re tackling today. First, we’re settling the debate that has haunted Comerica Park all summer: Colt Keith versus Jace Jung at third base. Second, we’re looking at the outfield depth chart and why Max Clark’s role is shifting. And finally, we’re predicting which relievers make the cut and which ones get shipped out. Adam, remind us quickly where we stood last week.
Adam: Right. Last Wednesday, we talked about Tarik Skubal’s free agency impact and the Zack Gelof lawsuit. We predicted the Tigers would finish 78-84 next year, and we said Jackson Jobe was going to solidify his ace role alongside Jack Flaherty. Today, we’re zooming in on the positional battles that will determine if those predictions come true.
Diana: Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Third base. Jace Jung and Colt Keith. For months, fans have been asking: who gets the keys to the offense? Based on this current roster construction, where do you see them landing?
Adam: Well, technically, Keith is listed at third base, and Jung is too. But historically, Keith has played more second base. However, given the injury history and the defensive questions around Jung at the hot corner, I think the Tigers are leaning toward making Jung the everyday third baseman. It’s a power play. You need that left-handed bat in the lineup every single day.
Diana: But wait—Colt Keith is young. He’s got upside. If he’s playing second, does Spencer Torkelson move around? Or do we just have a crowded infield?
Adam: That’s the issue. Spencer Torkelson is locked in at first base. Dillon Dingler is behind the plate. So if Keith goes to second, you have Jung at third, Tinkinson at first, and Dingler catching. That’s a very strong core. But it leaves Kevin McGonigle and Tsung-Che Cheng as the primary backups for shortstop. It’s a tight squeeze.
Diana: So, you’re saying Jung wins the job because of the bat? What about Keith’s defense? Can he handle second base full-time after seeing time at third?
Adam: Keith has improved, but he’s not a Gold Glove caliber second baseman yet. Jung is still raw defensively at third, but his offensive profile is higher. In modern baseball, if you can hit .270 with 20 home runs, you play every day. If you can’t defend second base well enough to stop runs, you don’t stay there long-term. So my bet? Jung stays at third, Keith shifts to second or becomes a super-utility player.
Diana: Interesting take. So Jung is the starter. That means the competition for the other infield spot really comes down to McGonigle vs. Cheng. Both are shortstops by trade. Do you think one of them gets non-tendered or traded?
Adam: McGonigle has shown more pop in the minors. Cheng is more of a contact guy. If I’m the GM, I’m keeping McGonigle as the backup SS/2B hybrid. Cheng might find himself on the outside looking in unless he hits well in winter ball.
Diana: Okay, so Jung at third, Keith at second, Tinkinson at first. That’s a stable infield. But let’s talk about the outfield. Riley Greene is our established star in left. But who is the center fielder?
Adam: Max Clark. He’s the future. But the question is, does Corey Julks or Brett Callahan compete for left field? Greene is great, but he’s had injury concerns. If Greene misses time, who steps in?
Diana: Julks has always had the tools. Is he ready for everyday minutes?
Adam: Not yet. His plate discipline needs work. He swings at pitches outside the zone too often. Callahan is more disciplined, but he lacks the power. I think Greene gets the nod, and Julks is the primary backup. But watch for Ben Malgeri in right field. He’s getting younger, more experienced.
Diana: So, Greene, Clark, and Malgeri in the outfield? That’s a young, athletic trio. I like it. But it’s a thin group if injuries hit. Let’s pivot to the pitching staff. This is where things get messy.
Adam: It’s absolute chaos. Look at the list. We have Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton as the clear starters. Then you have Jake Miller, Keider Montero, Andrew Sears, River Ryan, and... Framber Valdez?
Diana: Wait, Framber Valdez is on the Tigers roster? I thought he was a Astro!
Adam: He is! According to this data, he’s signed. This changes everything. If Valdez is healthy, he’s your number two or three starter. That pushes Jackson Wolf to the bullpen or out of the organization entirely. And what about Tarik Skubal? He’s gone. Free agency took him.
Diana: Yeah, we’ve been talking about that loss since Tuesday. It’s huge. So Jobe is the ace now. And Valdez is the veteran presence. Who fills out the rest of the rotation?
Adam: Miller, Montero, and Sears. Those are the innings eaters. Ryan is probably a swingman. But here’s the problem: the bullpen. Kenley Jansen is there, obviously. He’s the closer. But who is the setup man? Kyle Finnegan? Tyler Holton? Sawyer Gipson-Long?
Diana: There are nine relievers on this list for maybe four spots. Beau Brieske, Enmanuel De Jesus, Yilber Diaz, Brenan Hanifee, Brant Hurter, Drew Sommers, Ty Madden. That’s a lot of arms.
Adam: Exactly. It’s a fire sale waiting to happen. Jansen is aging. He’s reliable, but he’s not who he was five years ago. Finnegan has the experience, but his stuff isn’t elite. I think Gipson-Long is the breakout candidate. He’s young, he throws hard, and he’s got nothing to lose.
Diana: So, Gipson-Long for the eighth inning? And Jansen for the ninth? What happens to the rest?
Adam: Somebody gets moved. Maybe someone gets designated for assignment. With the robot umpires changing the strike zone dynamics, teams are looking for pitchers who can command corners. The guys who can’t control their fastballs are going to struggle in spring training.
Diana: That’s a great point. Command is key. Okay, we’ve covered the infield clash, the outfield hierarchy, and the pitching logjam. We’re halfway through the show, and we have a lot more to unpack. But before we jump into Segment Three, I want to pause for a second.
Diana: If you’ve enjoyed breaking down these roster battles with us, and you feel like the insights we’re sharing are helping you understand the Tigers better, please consider supporting the show. We keep this content free and daily because we love covering this team. If today’s episode gave you a new perspective on Jung or Jobe, a small contribution helps us keep digging deep for you. Check out the link in the episode description to chip in. Every bit helps keep the mic open for Detroit fans.
Adam: Thanks for listening. Seriously, it means a lot. Now, let’s finish up.
Diana: Alright, Segment Three: Roster Cut Predictions. We have to trim the fat. Who is staying, and who is going? Let’s start with the catchers. Dillon Dingler is the starter. Thayron Liranzo is the backup. Does Liranzo make the team?
Adam: Liranzo has defensive chops. He’s good framing the pitch. With the robot umpires, framing doesn’t matter as much for strikes, but it still matters for calling games. I think Liranzo stays. He’s a safe backup.
Diana: Okay, Dingler and Liranzo. Now, the outfield. We have Greene, Clark, Malgeri. What about Zach McKinstry? He’s versatile. Can he play RF?
Adam: McKinstry is a classic utility player. He can play outfield, he can play infield. He’s a line-drive hitter. I think he makes the roster. He’s insurance against injury. So that’s six outfielders. Greene, Clark, Malgeri, McKinstry, Julks, Callahan. Two of those guys are going to camp.
Diana: Who gets cut? Julks or Callahan?
Adam: Callahan. He’s older, less upside. Julks is younger. Even if he struggles, he has the potential to be a star. Teams hold onto upside. So Julks stays, Callahan goes.
Diana: Harsh, but logical. Now, the big one: the bullpen cuts. We have Jansen, Finnegan, Gipson-Long, Holton, Brieske, De Jesus, Diaz, Hanifee, Hurter, Sommers, Madden. Eleven guys. Four spots. Who’s out?
Adam: This is brutal. Jansen is the closer. Finnegan is the setup. Gipson-Long is the high-upside eighth inning guy. Then you need a lefty specialist or a versatile arm. Tyler Holton has a good slider. I think he edges out Drew Anderson. So Holton stays. Anderson, Brieske, De Jesus, Diaz, Hanifee, Hurter, Sommers, Madden. Eight guys competing for one spot. That’s insane.
Diana: Eight guys for one spot? Someone is definitely getting traded or released. Who do you think gets the call?
Adam: Brant Hurter. He’s a lefty. He has a decent fastball. If the team needs a lefty matchup, he’s the guy. But honestly, I think they trade one of the middle relievers for a prospect. They can’t carry nine relievers. It’s too expensive.
Diana: So, final roster prediction: Jung at third, Keith at second, Tinkinson at first, Dingler catching, Greene/Clark/Malgeri in the outfield, Jobe/Valdez/Miller/Montero/Sears in the rotation, and Jansen/Finnegan/Gipson-Long/Holton/Hurter in the bullpen. That’s a competitive team.
Adam: I agree. If they can manage the health of Jung and Greene, they have a shot at those 82 wins we predicted. Jackson Jobe looks like an ace. The infield is solid. The bullpen is volatile, but Jansen provides stability.
Diana: There you have it. The Tigers’ path to 2027 starts with these decisions. Jung takes the hot corner, Jobe takes the mound, and the bullpen finds its identity. If you missed any of this, check the archive. We’ve been talking about Jobe’s rise and the Gelof lawsuit all week, and this ties it all together.
Adam: Big takeaway: Don’t sleep on the infield. Jung and Keith together could be special. And Valdez? That’s a steal if he’s healthy.
Diana: Make sure you subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. It helps more fans find us. Share this episode with a friend who loves the Tigers. Until next time, keep your eyes on the roster, and Go Tigers!