The story of the Detroit Tigers 2024 season has been told and retold again and again, and, rightfully so, the outfielders always get a lot of the credit for it. They were, of course, largely consistently contributing to the eventual playoff success. However, the outfield is only three (or four) of the nine players in the lineup on any given day. And yes, every position group contributed, but perhaps the most underappreciated group of Tigers was their infield.
Sure, there were disappointments, like the struggles of Spencer Torkelson, the ultimately, the strength of the infield proved to be a major benefit.
Starting with first base, which was, of course, primarily Torkelson’s, at least to start the season. Torkelson struggled, on both offense and defense and was consequently sent down to AAA Toledo. Mark Canha spent time at first, as did Bligh Madris, who started the year in Toledo. Another player from AAA who played first base was Ryan Vilade, though he didn’t play in the infield that much; and definitely not as much as utility infielder Andy Ibanez. Torkelson did eventually return and was enough improved to remain the starter through the playoffs.
Speaking of Ibanez, he primarily played second base, backing rookie Colt Keith, who made up for his otherwise lackluster defensive versatility with his everyday consistency, avoiding both the injured list and being sent down to Toledo. The left-handed batter made Ibanez’s right-handed batting all the more valuable.
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Skipping over to third, the Tigers started opening day with Gio Urshela at the hot corner. Urshela opened the year on an offensive tear before coming back to earth after a few weeks. Zach McKinstry, the Tigers’ other utility player, added his lefty bat to Urshela’s right-handed one to make a dangerous
platoon. Urshela spent some time on the injured list, resulting in more McKinstry, a few minor leaguers, Matt Vierling moved in from the outfield on occasion, and of course the omnipresent Ibanez. All of this shuffling led to the Tigers promoting Jace Jung in September. He was nothing spectacular, but very serviceable.
And last is shortstop, arguably the most important spot on the infield. For a large part of the season, the position belonged to veteran Javy Baez and occasionally McKinstry. The two held the position for the majority of the season, but Baez’s recurring back injuries and McKinstry’s being needed elsewhere coupled with a strong showing in the minors, ultimately led to the promotion of Trey Sweeney to the majors, where he stayed through the playoffs.
Reflecting on the infield’s season, the Tigers have both new questions and new answers. Keith and Sweeney appear to be starters for at least the project-able future. The corners are questions, with the possibilities including the current talent, possible free agents, and existing talent in the minor leagues.
