Scott Harris has decisions to make.
The Detroit Tigers‘ 40-man roster is currently full, plus nine players on the 60-day injured list who must be reinstated after the World Series: Beau Brieske, Kyle Funkhouser, Rony García, Matt Manning, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Spencer Turnbull, Jake Rogers and Austin Meadows. Two free agents — Tucker Barnhart and Daniel Norris — will be removed, leaving the 40-man roster at 47 players when the offseason officially begins.
That means Harris, the new president of baseball operations, must cut at least seven players right away.
Here’s an assessment of how the Tigers performed in 2022, along with a look at what’s next for each player (all arbitration projections via MLB Trade Rumors):
Pitchers
Tyler Alexander, LHP
Age: 28.
2022 stats: 27 games (17 starts), 4.81 ERA, 1.317 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9, 5.4 K/9, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $1.6 million.
The buzz: Alexander has pitched more than 100 innings, with 32 starts in 68 games, in each of the past two seasons, and there’s something to be said for a long reliever who always finds his way into the rotation. His versatility could get him paid in arbitration and keep him around in 2023.
Andrew Chafin, LHP
Age: 32.
2022 stats: 64 games, 2.83 ERA, 1.169 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, 10.5 K/9, 0.9 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Player option, $6.5 million.
The buzz: Chafin has been worth at least 0.7 fWAR in each of his past five full seasons and his combined 4.3 fWAR ranks 19th among 114 pitchers with at least 200 innings since 2017. Opponents hit .085 with a 60.4% swing-and-miss rate against his slider. If he declines his player option, he becomes a free agent for the third offseason in a row. The Tigers need him back in 2023.
Daniel Norris, LHP
Age: 29.
2022 stats: 41 games (3 starts), 5.22 ERA, 1.261 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9, 10.1 K/9, 0.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Free agent.
The buzz: Norris has a long history with the Tigers, having pitched for Detroit from 2015-21 and again in 2022, after unsuccessful stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs. He finished the year with 9⅓ scoreless innings, zero walks and 12 strikeouts over his final seven outings. Returning to the Tigers on a minor-league deal makes sense.
Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP
Age: 29.
2022 stats: 17 starts, 4.05 ERA, 1.330 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, 7.1 K/9, 0.6 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Under contract, $14 million.
The buzz: Rodriguez missed more than three months in the middle of the season because of an injury and personal matters that put him on the restricted list. He didn’t live up to his five-year, $77 million contract signed in November 2021 but is locked in through 2026 (though he has a player option after the 2023 season).
Tarik Skubal, LHP
Age: 25.
2022 stats: 21 starts, 3.52 ERA, 1.156 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, 8.9 K/9, 2.9 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: The injured Skubal likely won’t be ready to join the Tigers’ 2023 Opening Day roster, but he will factor in at some point next season. He shined as Detroit’s best pitcher but underwent flexor tendon surgery in August. Once he returns, he can solidify himself as the Tigers’ ace.
Gregory Soto, LHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 64 games, 3.28 ERA, 1.376 WHIP, 5.1 BB/9, 9.0 K/9, 0.6 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $3.1 million.
The buzz: Soto, a two-time All-Star, might not return as the closer next season, but he will return in some capacity with a substantial raise from MLB’s minimum salary. He notched 30 saves in 33 chances this season, though his success was weighed down by a miserable 2-11 record. He still doesn’t throw enough strikes and lost the feel for his once-electric slider. As a result, his trade value continues to drop.
Joey Wentz, LHP
Age: 25.
2022 stats: Seven starts, 3.03 ERA, 1.102 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 0.5 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Wentz finally started pounding the strike zone upon his return from the injured list in September. He posted a 1.73 ERA with 11 walks and 22 strikeouts over 26 innings in his final five starts. Wentz, a former first-round pick by the Atlanta Braves, is currently tearing up the Arizona Fall League as he builds innings. Expect him to play a key role next season as a candidate to take a big step forward.
Beau Brieske, RHP
Age: 24.
2022 stats: 15 starts, 4.19 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: A forearm strain ended his season in July. Still, Brieske stuck around in the Tigers’ clubhouse to rehab for the first time in his career and returned to full health. He commands his fastball, and opponents hit just .173 against his changeup. If Brieske, a former 27th-round pick, develops his slider into a consistent put-away pitch, he can be a reliable back-end starter with mid-rotation upside.
Luis Castillo, RHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: Three games, 0.00 ERA, 0.545 WHIP, 0.0 BB/9, 9.8 K/9, 0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Castillo posted a 1.74 ERA with 11 walks and 39 strikeouts in 40 games for Triple-A Toledo. He seems unlikely to remain on the 40-man roster through what’s expected to be a busy offseason.
José Cisnero, RHP
Age: 33.
2022 stats: 28 games, 1.08 ERA, 1.360 WHIP, 6.8 BB/9, 8.3 K/9, 0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $2.2 million.
The buzz: Cisnero, who earned $1.9 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility, experienced a decrease in fastball velocity, a decrease in strikeout rate, an increase in walk rate and a couple of injuries this season. He also turns 34 in April and will become a free agent after 2023. The Tigers could send him into free agency earlier by non-tendering him this winter.
Ángel De Jesus, RHP
Age: 25.
2022 stats: Eight games, 2.13 ERA, 1.026 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9, 5.0 K/9, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: De Jesus logged a 4.15 ERA with 20 walks and 44 strikeouts over 44 games in Toledo. The Tigers added him to the 40-man roster in November 2021 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. This offseason, he could be designated for assignment to make room for someone else.
Miguel Díaz, RHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: Three games, 2.45 ERA, 0.818 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 0.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Díaz flashes a nasty changeup, but he hasn’t done enough in the big leagues — 75 games over parts of five seasons, with a 5.37 ERA — to warrant a guaranteed spot in 2023. The Tigers should look to bring him back on a minor-league contract.
Alex Faedo, RHP
Age: 26.
2022 stats: 12 starts, 5.53 ERA, 1.640 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 0.3 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Returning from Tommy John surgery, Faedo helped the Tigers navigate their injury problems throughout the summer. The former No. 18 overall pick registered a 2.92 ERA in his first seven starts, then an 11.34 ERA in his final five starts before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right hip in July. He is expected to be healthy for spring training and compete for a role on the Opening Day roster.
Jason Foley, RHP
Age: 26.
2022 stats: 60 G, 3.88 ERA, 1.376 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9, 6.4 K/9, 0.8 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: The Tigers banked on an improved sophomore season from Foley, and he did just that in 2022. His sinker is elite and his 4.3% walk rate ranked in the 95th percentile, but he needs a better slider to increase his swing-and-miss rate and become a more complete high-leverage reliever. Still, Foley is on the right track and should take another step forward next season.
Kyle Funkhouser, RHP
Age: 28.
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $800,000.
The buzz: Funkhouser stepped up in 2021 with a 3.42 ERA, 38 walks and 63 strikeouts in 57 relief appearances, but he suffered a shoulder injury during MLB’s lockout and never recovered, undergoing surgery in July. His role for 2023 is unclear, but he is expected to return at a cheap rate in his first year of arbitration.
Bryan Garcia, RHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 4 starts, 3.54 ERA, 1.180 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: A feel-good story in 2022, Garcia — a former closer — rebuilt himself into a starting pitcher and contributed in the big leagues down the stretch. Still, there’s virtually no chance he stays with the Tigers. He probably deserves a minor-league contract, just with a different organization.
Rony García, RHP
Age: 24.
2022 stats: 16 games (8 starts), 4.41 ERA, 1.039 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, 8.5 K/9, 0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $1 million.
The buzz: Once again, García did not end the season healthy. He was placed on the injured list twice with right shoulder soreness and has pitched just 54⅔ innings over the past two seasons. But García, a 2019 Rule 5 draft selection, is young and relatively cheap to retain. Maybe the Tigers see untapped potential in his arsenal.
Garrett Hill, RHP
Age: 26.
2022 stats: 17 games (8 starts), 4.03 ERA, 1.359 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, -0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Despite MLB experience, Hill will need to earn future opportunities at the highest level, but earning his way is nothing new for the former 26th-round pick. He seems likely to begin 2023 in Toledo, either as a starter or reliever.
Joe Jiménez, RHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 62 games, 3.49 ERA, 1.094 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, 12.2 K/9, 1.4 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $2.6 million.
The buzz: Future closer? The way Jiménez pitched this season, combined with the metrics of his pitches, he surely deserves an opportunity to handle the top spot, or at least more high-leverage innings. He has trade value, but if he’s moved this winter, the Tigers could end up searching for a similar replacement with a similar price tag. He was Detroit’s best reliever in 2022.
Alex Lange, RHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 71 games, 3.69 ERA, 1.247 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9, 11.7 K/9, 0.7 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: A rocky August derailed an otherwise dominant second season in the big leagues. Lange’s curveball and changeup had swing-and-miss rates of 57.8% and 56.0%, respectively, but his 11.4% walk rate haunted him at times. Polishing his command would make him another candidate to be the closer, but regardless, he will be back as a high-leverage reliever.
Matt Manning, RHP
Age: 24.
2022 stats: 12 starts, 3.43 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, 6.9 K/9, 1.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Manning ended the season on the injured list with a right forearm strain, and it’s unclear if he needs surgery, but for now, the Tigers think he will be healthy for spring training. Fastball command is key to Manning’s success, especially since developing a new slider that generates whiffs. But he needs to be more consistent before unlocking his potential as a frontline starter. He believes strengthening his legs this offseason will sync his mechanics and achieve repeatability.
Casey Mize, RHP
Age: 25.
2022 stats: Two starts, 5.40 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9, 3.6 K/9, 0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Mize, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, is a mystery. He underwent Tommy John surgery in June and is expected to miss the entire 2023 season. The ex-Auburn standout has a 4.29 ERA with an insufficient 18.7% strikeout rate across 39 MLB starts in his career. He needs to be better when he comes back in 2024.
Elvin Rodríguez, RHP
Age: 24.
2022 stats: Seven games (five starts), 10.62 ERA, 1.921 WHIP, 4.6 BB/9, 7.6 K/9, -1.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Rodríguez clearly wasn’t ready for the big leagues and had a 4.98 ERA over 23 games (21 starts) in Toledo. He also posted a 5.83 ERA across 18 starts for Double-A Erie in 2021. The Tigers put him on the 40-man roster in November 2021 to keep him from becoming a minor-league free agent. At this point, it could be time to say goodbye.
Spencer Turnbull, RHP
Age: 30.
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 contract status: Under contract, $2.15 million.
The buzz: After throwing a no-hitter in May 2021, Turnbull had Tommy John surgery two months later and hasn’t pitched competitively since. In April, Turnbull agreed to a two-year, $3.65 million contract to avoid arbitration for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Turnbull, a former second-round selection, rehabbed this year and will be ready for spring training. He needs to reclaim his status as a frontline starter.
Will Vest, RHP
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 59 games (2 starts), 4.00 ERA, 1.333 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, 9.0 K/9, 0.4 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: A surprise success this year after being lost in the Rule 5 draft before last season, Vest pitched in a variety of situations and held his own with above-average sliders and changeups that generated swings and misses. With a 95 mph fastball, the Tigers’ new regime might see potential for further success out of the bullpen.
Catchers
Tucker Barnhart
Age: 31.
2022 stats: 94 games, .221 AVG, 1 HR, .554 OPS, 8.1 BB%, 24.0 K%, 63 wRC+, -0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Free agent.
The buzz: This was a tough season for Barnhart, who didn’t produce at the plate or live up to his standards behind the dish as a two-time Gold Glove winner. After last November’s trade, the Tigers showed early interest in a contract extension. Those ideas quickly fizzled. He isn’t coming back next season, and the Tigers remain without a long-term plan at catcher.
Eric Haase
Age: 29.
2022 stats: 110 games, .254 AVG, 14 HR, .748 OPS, 6.8 BB%, 27.6 K%, 112 wRC+, 1.3 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Could Haase step up as the starter of the future? He surely deserves more playing time, despite being a below-average defender. Haase has been an above-average hitter for the past two seasons, with 36 home runs in 208 games. He hits better when facing left-handers, but in 2022, his splits weren’t far apart: a .731 OPS against righties and .778 against lefties.
Michael Papierski
Age: 26.
2022 stats (Giants, Reds): 39 games, .143 AVG, 1 HR, .415 OPS, 9.7 BB%, 25.2 K%, 16 wRC+, -0.8 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: The Tigers — with Harris making this decision — claimed Papierski off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds last week. Both his offense and defense lacked last season, but he can work walks. Catcher Ali Sánchez was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Jake Rogers
Age: 27.
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Rogers, who turns 28 in April, missed the 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2021. He hit .239 with six home runs in 38 games last season, but a Rogers-Haase tandem is incredibly risky. Rogers, known for his defense, has played just 73 games in the majors. He needs to prove he can swing the bat in spring training and beyond before time runs out.
Designated hitters
Miguel Cabrera
Age: 39.
2022 stats: 112 games, .254 AVG, 5 HR, .622 OPS, 6.5 BB%, 23.3 K%, 79 wRC+, -1.5 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Under contract, $32 million.
The buzz: A complicated 2023 season appears on the horizon for Cabrera, owed $32 million in the final year of his eight-year extension signed during his prime. In 2022, Cabrera ran out of gas at the All-Star break because of chronic knee pain and a subsequent left biceps strain. He hit .171 with two homers in his final 33 games, from July 21 through Oct. 4. The Tigers will try to manage his workload, but the future Hall of Famer — determined to play one more season — creates roster construction headaches.
Infielders
Javier Báez, SS
Age: 29.
2022 stats: 144 games, .238 AVG, 17 HR, .671 OPS, 4.4 BB%, 24.9 K%, 90 wRC+, 2.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Under contract, $22 million.
The buzz: Báez, who turns 30 in December, experienced a terrible May, and he had an .831 OPS with six home runs in his final 30 games, but overall, his 2022 season was a disappointment. He posted a .626 OPS in 78 games before the All-Star break and finished with an MLB-leading 26 errors. The Tigers, for now, don’t need to move Báez from shortstop to second base, but that could happen ahead of the 2024 campaign. On offense, he desperately needs a bounce-back season with more consistency.
Jeimer Candelario, 3B
Age: 28.
2022 stats: 124 games, .217 AVG, 13 HR, .633 OPS, 6.0 BB%, 23.3 K%, 80 wRC+, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $7 million.
The buzz: Candelario won back-to-back Tiger of the Year awards in 2020-21, showcasing himself as MLB’s sixth-best third baseman at the plate. During those years, he had a 10.2% walk rate. In 2022, however, he was the worst-hitting third baseman with at least 400 plate appearances and walked at a 6.2% clip. The Tigers don’t think the switch-hitter is worth approximately $7 million, meaning he should be non-tendered, but they could work out a one-year deal at a cheaper rate.
Harold Castro, UTIL
Age: 28.
2022 stats: 120 games, .271 AVG, 7 HR, .681 OPS, 3.8 BB%, 17.8 K%, 94 wRC+, -0.4 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $2.6 million.
The buzz: What happens to Castro this offseason could signify the end of an era for the Tigers. Castro — nicknamed Hittin’ Harold — is known for his defensive versatility in the infield and clutch skills with the bat in his hands. He is a solid situational hitter, despite a horrible walk rate, and seems to always deliver that key single when the Tigers need him. But is he worth nearly $3 million? Probably not.
Kody Clemens, UTIL
Age: 26.
2022 stats: 56 games, .145 AVG, 5 HR, .505 OPS, 6.3 BB%, 26.0 K%, 40 wRC+, -0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Clemens, the son of pitching legend Roger Clemens, pitched seven games and faced 33 batters with a 3.86 ERA and a strikeout against two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. At the plate, where his value is found, he had a .197 on-base percentage. He joined the 40-man roster in November 2021 as protection from the Rule 5 draft. Clemens didn’t receive consistent playing time, but in reality, he didn’t earn the opportunity.
Brendon Davis, 3B/RF
Age: 25.
2022 stats: Three games, .200 AVG, 0 HR, .473 OPS, 9.1 BB%, 27.3 K%, 42 wRC+, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: The Tigers claimed Davis, a former fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers, off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels in May. He made his MLB debut in October but isn’t a part of the bigger picture.
Luis Garcia, SS/2B
Age: 22.
2022 stats: N/A.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: The Tigers claimed Garcia, a former top prospect, off waivers from the Phillies in September, after former general manager Al Avila was fired. He signed with the Phillies out of the Dominican Republic for a $2.5 million signing bonus in July 2017. This season, he hit .161 with 41 walks and 65 strikeouts over 59 games in the minor leagues, mostly at the High-A level.
Ryan Kreidler, UTIL
Age: 24.
2022 stats: 26 games, .178 AVG, 1 HR, .477 OPS, 7.1 BB%, 26.2 K%, 38 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Entering 2022, the Tigers hoped to learn about Kreidler’s offensive potential in the majors, but his season was derailed early on by a fractured hand and groin strain. He flashed positive defensive metrics, worth plus-5 defensive runs saved, though his offense was lackluster in a small sample size. He turns 25 in November and projects as a utility player in 2023.
Josh Lester, 1B/3B
Age: 28.
2022 stats: Two games, .000 AVG, 0 HR, .000 OPS, 0.0 BB%, 60.0 K%, -100 wRC+, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Lester, the son of a longtime MLB scout, blasted 32 home runs in the minor leagues in 2021 and 29 more in 145 games with Toledo this season. He made his MLB debut in September but didn’t last long.
Jermaine Palacios, UTIL
Age: 26.
2022 stats (Twins): 30 games, .143 AVG, 2 HR, .413 OPS, 5.2 BB%, 35.1 K%, 14 wRC+, -0.9 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Last week, Harris claimed Palacios off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, marking his first official roster move as the president of baseball operations. He hit .283 with 14 home runs, 34 walks and 102 strikeouts in 102 games for Triple-A St. Paul this season but wasn’t productive in his first stint in the big leagues. Right-hander Drew Hutchison was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Age: 31.
2022 stats: 131 games, .202 AVG, 11 HR, .561 OPS, 3.7 BB%, 21.0 K%, 57 wRC+, 1.5 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Player option, $7.5 million.
The buzz: For better or for worse, Schoop is coming back to the Tigers in 2023 for the final year of his contract. A creative trade could unload Schoop’s contract from the payroll, but the chance of finding an interested suitor appears slim. For the first time since 2015, Schoop failed to crank 20 home runs in a full season. He also has a career 4.1% walk rate. One positive: The 10-year MLB veteran led the majors with plus-27 outs above average and will be in the mix for the Gold Glove at second base.
Zack Short, UTIL
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 6 games, .000 AVG, 0 HR, .154 OPS, 15.4 BB%, 38.5 K%, -41 wRC+, -0.1 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: In August 2020, the Tigers traded Cameron Maybin to the Chicago Cubs and received Short in return. Two seasons later, Short has hit just .133 in 67 games since his MLB debut in April 2021. He should be looking for a new team this offseason.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B
Age: 23.
2022 stats: 110 games, .203 AVG, 8 HR, .604 OPS, 9.2 BB%, 24.5 K%, 76 wRC+, -1.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Torkelson, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, put together an extremely underwhelming rookie campaign and might not be ready for the highest level. He hit .226 against fastballs, .293 against fastballs over the heart of the plate and .275 against all pitches over the heart of the plate. (Baltimore Orioles rookie Adley Rutschman, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick, hit .322 vs. fastballs, .444 vs. middle-middle fastballs and .377 vs. all middle-middle pitches.) If the Tigers want to be winners in the near future, Torkelson needs to start crushing those pitches and performing like a former No. 1 overall pick. He said he will not change his swing mechanics this offseason.
Outfielders
Akil Baddoo, LF/CF
Age: 24.
2022 stats: 73 games, .204 AVG, 2 HR, .558 OPS, 10.7 BB%, 28.4 K%, 65 wRC+, -0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Baddoo improved his outfield defense, but that doesn’t matter if he isn’t an impact player on offense. In his final 18 games, he hit .250, worked nine of his 24 walks and collected five of his nine stolen bases. He is too valuable to cut, but in an outfield crowded with lefty hitters, he needs a strong spring training to make the Opening Day roster.
Daz Cameron, RF/CF
Age: 25.
2022 stats: 21 games, .219 AVG, 1 HR, .629 OPS, 7.1 BB%, 28.6 K%, 82 wRC+, 0.0 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: All three players the Tigers acquired in the 2017 Justin Verlander trade — Cameron, Rogers and Franklin Perez — remain in the organization. Soon, that could change. The Tigers have given Cameron, a former first-round pick, plenty of opportunities, and despite a couple clutch home runs, he probably won’t survive the offseason of change.
Kerry Carpenter, DH/LF
Age: 25.
2022 stats: 31 games, .252 AVG, 6 HR, .795 OPS, 5.3 BB%, 28.3 K%, 126 wRC+, 0.5 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: A surprise standout in 2022, Carpenter put himself on the map with 30 home runs in the minor leagues before his MLB debut in August. The former 19th-round pick thrived in the majors and would be a potential lock for the Opening Day roster if Cabrera wasn’t clogging the designated hitter spot. Still, Carpenter — another left-handed hitter — will compete for a job in the outfield in spring training.
Willi Castro, UTIL
Age: 25.
2022 stats: 112 games, .241 AVG, 8 HR, .651 OPS, 3.8 BB%, 20.9 K%, 86 wRC+, 0.7 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $1.7 million.
The buzz: Manager A.J. Hinch takes a lot of pride in Castro’s development over the last two years, transitioning from an Opening Day shortstop in 2021 to a legitimate utility player in 2022. He rarely walks, but his offense improved this season. If Harris sees what Hinch sees, Castro will be tendered a contract and return to the Tigers in 2023.
Riley Greene, CF
Age: 22.
2022 stats: 93 games, .253 AVG, 5 HR, .682 OPS, 8.6 BB%, 28.7 K%, 98 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Not yet eligible for arbitration.
The buzz: Unlike Torkelson, Greene had an encouraging rookie season after a fractured foot in spring training delayed his MLB debut until June. He worked through a long slump and ended as a league-average hitter. The 2019 No. 5 overall pick looked athletic in the batter’s box and the outfield, proving he can handle center field into the future. An All-Star-caliber performance in 2023 wouldn’t be surprising.
Austin Meadows, LF/RF
Age: 27.
2022 stats: 36 games, .250 AVG, 0 HR, .675 OPS, 10.9 BB%, 11.6 K%, 101 wRC+, -0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $4 million.
The buzz: The 2022 season was the toughest of Meadows’ career. The Tigers acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays (for Isaac Paredes) in April, and he missed most of the year with vertigo, COVID-19 and Achilles strains to both legs before sitting out September for mental health reasons. Meadows, a former All-Star with a career .809 OPS, hit 33 home runs in 2019 and 27 homers in 2021. The lefty slugger will be back in 2023.
Victor Reyes, RF/LF
Age: 28.
2022 stats: 92 games, .254 AVG, 3 HR, .651 OPS, 3.9 BB%, 22.9 K%, 85 wRC+, -0.2 fWAR.
2023 contract status: Arbitration eligible, projected for $2.2 million.
The buzz: In his five-year MLB career, the switch-hitting Reyes has never played more than 100 games, launched more than five home runs or walked more than 14 times in a single season. His career walk rate is 3.8%. All things considered, the Tigers may be ready to move on.