Evan Petzold | Detroit Free Press
LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch wants everyone to understand there’s a bright future ahead for one of his top prospects. He believes this player is important to keep in mind for now and in the future.
Third baseman Isaac Paredes — ranked No. 6 in the farm system by MLB Pipeline — has a chance to make the Opening Day roster.
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The 22-year-old experienced the ruthlessness of the major leagues, displayed by a .220 average across 34 games. But he caught some positive vibes, too, such as his 10-game hitting streak. Then, Paredes won the Mexican Pacific Winter League’s batting title this offseason.
At this point, Hinch is certain Paredes can hang at the highest level.
“Paredes can be a complete player,” Hinch said Wednesday. “We’re always watching what he can do with the bat, but obviously what he can do defensively, as well. I know he’s got a lot of confidence, and he knows the opportunity in front of him to make our team is real.”
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In Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to the Phillies, Paredes got his first at-bat of spring training as a fifth-inning substitute. With Niko Goodrum standing on third base, he grounded out to second base on a 94 mph fastball, thus allowing Goodrum to trot home for the team’s first run.
Two innings later, he drove a single up the middle.
“Well, he knows a ball from a strike and makes hard contact to all areas of the field,” Hinch said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him in competition a little bit more. You can only discern so much from video, but he’s got a little swagger to him, a little style. And he looks like he’s in control of the at-bats.”
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Paredes spent two innings at third base, but Hinch will test him at second base during camp. He wants to figure out if Paredes is versatile enough to make the team as a two-position player, which would boost his value.
In his minor-league career, Paredes has played shortstop (246 games) third base (114) and second base (27). Across 34 games in his MLB debut season in 2020, he worked solely at third base.
“It’s something that’s going to be new for me,” Paredes said Wednesday. “The coaches have helped me a lot. I’m pretty sure, with their help, I’m going to be learning really quick to play second base.”
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Yet there’s no doubt about Paredes’ offensive potential.
He hit .379 in the Mexican Pacific Winter League regular season to secure the batting title this offseason, adding 17 doubles, four home runs and 26 RBIs — with 27 walks to 12 strikeouts — in 42 games. He led the league in doubles, on-base percentage (.480) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.060).
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Paredes competed in 19 playoff games, between Venados de Mazatlán and Naranjeros de Hermosillo, going 20-for-68 (.294) with three doubles, two home runs, 13 RBIs, 12 walks and three strikeouts.
“You learn new things year after year,” Paredes said. “This year, one of the things I learned was getting confidence in myself, trust in myself to be ready to be back in the U.S.”
For Double-A Erie in 2019, Paredes had a .282 batting average, 13 homers and 66 RBIs. Along with his .220 average as a big-league newcomer last year, he chipped in one home run and six RBIs, with eight walks to 24 strikeouts.
Hinch has noticed Paredes’ hitting prowess spans beyond Mexico, and if he can find creative ways to use him in the infield, it will be difficult to turn him away from a roster spot.
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“He’s giving me the chance to play,” Paredes said. “And I’m giving him the chance back to show him that I can make the team. I feel good with it, that he’s saying he’s going to give me a chance. It gives me a lot of trust. I know I can make it.”
Outside factors — such as first baseman Renato Nunez’s expected presence in the lineup, whenever he is activated — could disrupt Paredes’ push to make the squad. It’s unlikely both are on the roster to start the season.
But Hinch is confident Paredes can help the Tigers accomplish their goals in 2021.
“I want him to play with some urgency in a chance to make,” Hinch said. “I think he can help us win. … Who knows? Maybe he’s somebody that can rise to the challenge of playing in the big leagues, rather than go be comfortable in Triple-A to start the season.”
Evan Petzold is a sports reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.