Tigers manager A.J. Hinch and president of baseball operations Scott Harris addressed the media earlier this week (video link via the Tigers on X). The duo outlined offseason plans and provided details on the outlook for 2027. The infield, particularly from a defensive perspective, was a frequent topic of discussion.
The matchup-conscious Tigers have shuffled players around the diamond during Hinch’s tenure. The club leans on platoons and is quick to pinch-hit when an opposing starter leaves the game. Having versatile defenders is a key part of the equation, and Kevin McGonigle was chief among them in 2026. The infielder split his time almost evenly between shortstop and third base as a rookie.
McGonigle will not go into next season with a set position, per Hinch and Harris, as the organization values his flexibility. He made 94 appearances at third base and 96 appearances at shortstop this year. Obviously there’s some overlap there, with McGonigle bouncing around depending on other lineup moves.
Heading into the season, McGonigle had only played shortstop and second base as a professional. He had no problem with the transition to the hot corner. McGonigle recorded 8 Defensive Runs Saved in 644 innings at third base. He notched 2 DRS at shortstop. His ability to handle both spots gives Detroit the option to pursue a more regular option at either position. Light-hitting John Peck closed the year at shortstop. Veteran Javier Baez also spent time there. Colt Keith and Hao-Yu Lee saw time at third base.
Keith will also head into next season in a flexible role. Hinch and Harris cited his ability to play every infield spot, excluding shortstop. After emerging as the team’s primary second baseman as a rookie in 2024, Keith has moved around often the past two years. Most of his time in the field came at third base this past season. He didn’t make a single appearance at the keystone.
The defensive fit for Keith isn’t as seamless as it is for McGonigle. He’s been a negative defender by both DRS and Outs Above Average as a big leaguer. Keith also faces more questions as a hitter. He endured a massive power outage to begin the year, failing to hit a home run until the first week of June. Keith picked it up in the second half and finished with a .728 OPS across 423 plate appearances. Almost all of his opportunities came against right-handed pitching. Hinch afforded Keith just 25 PAs versus lefties. He went 3-for-24 with zero extra-base hits.
Detroit finished 14th in scoring this season. The club ranked just outside the top 10 in wRC+ as a team. It’s a lineup that could need some retooling with Gleyber Torres entering free agency, plus Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling being non-tender candidates. Any changes aren’t likely to come in free agency, though. Hinch and Harris harped on not blocking young players with outside additions.
The commitment to the young core could mean Lee, Max Clark, and Eduardo Valencia are in line for more consistent opportunities. The same goes for Jace Jung and Ben Malgeri, to a lesser extent. Prospects Max Anderson, Zyhir Hope, and Josue Briceno are also on the verge of contributing in the majors. Detroit is trending toward a youthful lineup in 2027.
Photo courtesy of Matt Marton, Imagn Images
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