Graterol

I have had this theory that McKinstry is a sleeper to be traded because his versatility doesn’t matter as much with McGonigle at short, a left handed heavy lineup, and Javy able to play IF and CF against LHP. I asked chat gpt to derive the ideal lineup vs RHP and LHP using historical wrc+ splits (or last year in certain cases if it made more sense). Used a rough adjustment for defense. The conclusion was that to optimize each lineup McKinstry would be off the roster. If you add a constraint that each starter rests 15pct of the time, McKinstry would be in and Perez out. To me that seems logical and given Perez has options, it seems to be the most likely scenario. But I do think this team is missing a LH hitting corner outfielder with a big platoon split. Best case scenario would be to package some combination of Jung, Lee, McKinstry, Perez, etc to get such a player…

The problem is that Javy’s revival last year still wasn’t very good. Against RHP, Javy had a 75 wrc+ last year. Meadows was 83 last year and 97 for his career. I think Meadows is absolutely a platoon OFer at this point, and Vierling or Javy should play CF against LHP. I would also be open to an upgrade on Meadows (maybe even Vierling full time in CF). But I don’t think we should expect any better results from Javy with the bat compared to Meadows. And a handful of spring training at bats doesn’t really change that.

Still think it’s probably not going to happen, but if McGonigle makes the team who is displaced? In that scenario, I think locks are: tork/torres/mcgonigle/keith/dingler greene/carp mckinstry/baez/vierling/rogers So last two spots could be: meadows and jones (meadows platoon with vierling or javy, McKinstry plays lots of OF) meadows and Perez (vierling is rh platoon with carp) jones and Perez (javy is regular CF) I think Perez would be left off with meadows on a short leash, but I could see any of these options.

Skubal/Valdez/Olson/Flaherty/Mize and don’t think it’s much of a fight. Caveat being there is almost never a time where 1 SP isn’t injured. Anderson takes long RP role and spot starter. Jansen/Vest/Finnegan/Holton/Hurter. Hannifee probably favorite for last spot but lots of options. I would think this means Melton and Montero go to AAA to stretch out.

For that price would have rather used that money towards a legit bat or frontline starter. Not a fan.

Assuming no more moves and good health, rotation would be Skubal, Flaherty, Olson, mize, Anderson. Locks in pen would be Vest, Finnegan, Jensen, Melton (or swap with Anderson), Holton, Hurter. Still would love another pitcher or 2 but doesn’t look horrible.

0.6 WAR and 4.0 FIP. Don’t mind it so long as $6 mil or less.

I like the proposal or some variation. Limiting shifts and pitch clock have worked. Finding a way to get more balls in play would help the game. Athletic CF still would make plays and would be equally valuable relative to their peer groups.

Every time I do this exercise I come to the conclusion that Carpenter could/should be traded. On some level, massive platoon splits are a good thing for someone like Hinch. But Carpenter was a 1.5 WAR guy because his defense sucks and he doesn’t get on base. Add in the need to carry Jones as a platoon partner, and I don’t think this is how Harris and Hinch ideally would allocate two roster spots. Not sure you would get much for Carpenter, but I would certainly explore it. That would also open up more ABs for Keith. Would giving Keith ABs and 1B/2B/3B/RF/DH make more sense than locking him in to one position? Would especially like a Carp trade if there was a Kim/Bregman/Polanco signing.

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-zips-projections-detroit-tigers/ Not sure if this has been posted. This highlights to me biggest holes are SS (depending on mcgonigle) and OF. Would still love Kim on a 1 year deal. I also think Carp is traded.

He isn’t going to start, but I could see him in an Ibanez role platooning at 2B/3B/DH.

I know others have suggested it, but I wonder what Carpenter would fetch in a trade. Given his defense and big platoon split, he really hurts roster construction. Also, what do we do with Jung, Lee, and Anderson? I don’t mind Anderson in the Ibanez role, but all 3 are not good enough to start but too good to give away. Jung especially needs a change of scenery I think.

Kim adds everything this team is lacking. Acceptable SS defense. RH bat. Relatively cheap contract. He is the best fit in FA.

Gleyber given a QO. I think Kim is perfect for this team to bridge SS. I also like Polanco as a 2B/3B/DH. Would love to see 2 of these 3 plus a short term FA pitcher (actually think Scherzer or Verlander would be a good fit).

Don’t see Harris making a splash for a position player in FA. Only possibilities I see are Bregman, Bichette, Polanco, and potentially Kim. Don’t see Tucker as realistic nor Bellinger as a good roster fit. I would be pretty surprised if there isn’t a minor trade given the plethora of mediocre 2B/3B types on the 40 man.