Today, let’s address the initial predictions about which positional players will make the Opening Day roster. There will be some changes given that Matt Vierling is on the IL with no date yet…
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Water-cooler Wednesday.
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Today, let’s address the initial predictions about which positional players will make the Opening Day roster.
There will be some changes given that Matt Vierling is on the IL with no date yet set for his return. He was expected to play 3B primarily and some RF.
Parker Meadows does not yet have a return date. This makes the CF position open for the moment.
There are a number of players on the bubble but let’s focus on those who played in 2024.
Andy Ibanez spent most of his time playing multiple infield positions. He is also one of the few RRHs who hits LHP really well and is expected to play more 3B.
Justyn-Henry Malloy played the outfield in 2024 and in the off-season, he was asked to start working out at 1B. He’s gotten solid reviews and is also a RHH with excellent plate discipline.
Wenceel Perez played the outfield last year, averaging 4 outs above average. He transformed his body over the winter and comes to Lakeland in his best physical shape.
Spencer Torkelson lost his full-time job at 1B to Colt Keith with Manager A. J. Hinch stating that Tork would not learn a new position. However, he had dramatically changed his batting stance and habits in the off-season and is producing better at the plate. He has more MLB-level playing experience than the other 3.
Here are their stats so far:
Detroit Tigers 2025 MLB Spring Training Batting Stats - ESPN
On a 26-man roster, there will be 13 pitchers who will make the list. That leaves 13 openings for positional players. There are 10 players (not including Meadows or Vierling) who are widely expected to make the roster, leaving just 3 openings.
Out of these 4 players just listed, which one is
least likely to make the Opening Day roster?
Which player is least likely to make the Opening Day roster?
1. Andy Ibanez
2. Justyn-Henry Malloy
3. Wenceel Perez
4. Spencer Torkelson
VOTE
