The Tigers warned all along that their Opening Day roster decisions could come down to the day before their season opener in San Diego. Last year, they took their decisions all the way up to the deadline. This time, they made their choices with a day to spare.
When president of baseball operations Scott Harris, general manager Jeff Greenberg and manager A.J. Hinch decided to put top prospect Kevin McGonigle on the roster and stick with Parker Meadows in center, the positional roster fell into place. Similarly, signing Connor Seabold on Monday and sticking with left-hander Brant Hurter over sinkerballing reliever Brenan Hanifee brought the bullpen into focus.
The roster has a ton of continuity from last season, but also some intriguing additions. Some, like Justin Verlander, are familiar. Others, like McGonigle, are new.
Here’s how the roster came together:
Catchers (2): Dillon Dingler, Jake Rogers
The only questions with this duo was how Dingler would bounce back from offseason arthroscopic surgery to clean up his elbow, and whether Rogers would clear concussion protocol in time for Opening Day after a freak incident in the batting cages last week. This is a strong duo to lead a talented pitching staff while providing some punch at the plate. Tomás Nido and Eduardo Valencia will be available at Triple-A Toledo in case of injury.
First base (1): Spencer Torkelson
Torkelson got off to a slow start this spring, but looks comfortable and confident at the plate coming off last year’s 31-homer season. The Tigers have worked in various people at first base in case of late-game pinch-hitters and maneuvers, from Colt Keith to Matt Vierling, but this was always Torkelson’s spot.
Second base (1): Gleyber Torres
Torres returned from a victorious World Baseball Classic with Venezuela just in time to get some reps with his double-play partners. He’ll be the everyday second baseman.
Shortstop (2): Kevin McGonigle, Javier Báez
McGonigle, MLB’s No. 2 prospect, looked like a long shot to make the team when camp began, but he looked every bit like a Major League shortstop on both sides of the ball in Grapefruit League play. He will likely mix in at third base as well, but shortstop looms as his primary spot. Báez made some starts in center field around the midway point of camp as Meadows was slumping, but then picked up regular work at shortstop in the closing days, indicating he still has a role there alongside McGonigle.
Third base (2): Colt Keith, Zach McKinstry
Keith did not produce much offensively in Spring Training, and he did not play at third base after March 16. Between McGonigle and McKinstry, this could be a timeshare until and unless somebody grabs the role. Vierling could fit in here.
Outfielders (3): Riley Greene, Parker Meadows, Matt Vierling
Meadows’ slow start to spring rekindled concerns from his streaky 2025 season, but a mid-spring timing adjustment to stay on his back hip and rotate had him looking better at the plate with more solid contact. Wenceel Pérez never quite dug out from his early hole, but he also has a history of slow Spring Trainings. Javier Báez could be another option for center if he’s not playing primarily at shortstop.
DH (2): Kerry Carpenter, Jahmai Jones
Carpenter has had a better spring than the numbers, including a good amount of outfield work. He could mix into left field to give Greene some time at DH, or right field when Vierling needs a day off. He could get some extra looks against left-handed pitching after his stretch run last year. Still, DH is the logical spot for Jones, whose strong WBC for Team Korea could get him more at-bats against righties, too.
Rotation (5): Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, Jack Flaherty, Justin Verlander, Casey Mize
This group has been pretty much set since the Valdez and Verlander press conferences on back-to-back days at the start of camp. Depth could be an issue with Troy Melton out until at least the final week of May, but the Tigers should have some swingmen who could jump in from the bullpen, plus Keider Montero at Toledo.
Bullpen (8): Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, Will Vest, Tyler Holton, Drew Anderson, Brant Hurter, Connor Seabold, Enmanuel De Jesus
This group features three proven closers as well as two or three guys who could jump in to start in a pinch. Anderson has quietly been one of the better pitchers in camp, with stuff good enough to succeed in just about any role. Same goes for De Jesus, who made a big impression with his start for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. The Seabold acquisition cost Hanifee and/or Burch Smith a job.