Detroit Tigers GM Scott Harris cannot leave this offseason without at least one major league caliber SS/3B.

Harris gambled (and mostly lost) that wager last offseason when Detroit lost out on Alex Bregman. They were fortunate to have a career year from 30 year old journeyman Zach McKinstry but the loss of CF turned 3B Matt Vierling (he missed most of the year due to injuries) showed the lack of depth on the left side of the infield. Scouts generally agree that the options between AAA & MLB aren’t even league average defenders and/or league average hitters.

Colt Keith, Jace Jung, Max Anderson, & Hao-Yu Lee are all best defensively at 2B. Kevin McGonigle can likely stick at SS but has played 3B during the AFL. Trey Sweeney seems like a AAAA SS. Who knows what to expect from Javier Báez (prob below average batting and highlight reel plays defensively). Bryce Rainer is still likely a couple years away.

If Detroit wants to take itself seriously in Tarik Skubal’s contract year (that is, if they don’t trade him), they need to address 3B and SS. I’d love for them to pursue Ha-Seong Kim (who just opted out and will be further removed from surgery that cost him ¾ of the 2025 season). Bregman would be a great fit but he spurned Detroit last year, not sure if he feels a change of heart. Eugenio Suárez is 34 and likely to have a bidding war too.

In my eyes, Detroit’s likeliest route is via trade as recent history shows the Detroit FO & ownership haven’t wanted to open their wallets for a star on a long deal. That will require Harris to get creative, which he doesn’t have much of a record of doing on the trade market. A critical offseason awaits Detroit as the Skubal contract drama will only increase.