5 questions still facing Tigers for 2022

The Tigers already have their most talented roster in five years, and they’re not done yet. With a small window for the Hot Stove season to unwind before Spring Training begins, general manager Al Avila could have more upgrades in store before -- or even after -- the full squad reports to Lakeland, Fla. The goal is to have the Tigers in position to make the jump from a respected, competitive opponent to a more fearsome foe, maybe even one that could contend for a postseason spot.

As we await the crack of the bat and the pop of the mitt at Tigertown, here are five key questions facing the Tigers as they round out their Hot Stove season and gear up for Spring Training:

1) Can Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson make this team?
They can, but it won’t be automatic. They’ll have to show in Spring Training that they’re ready now, without an early stint at Triple-A Toledo to put the finishing touches on their development. Unless a deal falls into the Tigers’ laps that they can’t refuse, the roster will be flexible enough to fit one or both of them on Opening Day. Jonathan Schoop can start at second base if Torkelson is on the team, or first base if Torkelson opens the season at Triple-A Toledo. Robbie Grossman is the only current outfielder guaranteed a roster spot, though Detroit could add a free-agent outfielder on a Major League deal.

2) How much of an impact can Javier Báez make?
Báez has the potential to reshape the Tigers on both sides of the game, and his impact should become apparent in Spring Training. His athleticism fits squarely into the profile of the style of team general manager Al Avila and manager A.J. Hinch are trying to build, even if Báez’s history of strikeouts doesn’t fit. His defense not only addresses the most glaring issue for the Tigers in the field from last year, it has the chance to make second base better, no matter who Detroit starts there.

3) How will the Tigers fill out their rotation after Eduardo Rodriguez, Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal?
Depending on what the Tigers do in the remaining days of the Hot Stove market, their rotation battle has the chance to be as fun as it was last Spring Training when Julio Teheran dominated and put pressure on Mize and Skubal to pitch up to their prospect profiles. This year, Matt Manning is the prospect being asked to earn his spot, while Tyler Alexander looms among the pitchers who could throw a wrench in the plans. Then there’s Joey Wentz, who likely needs time at Triple-A in his second season back from Tommy John surgery but also profiles as the kind of pitcher who could surprise in his third Major League Spring Training. Detroit will add at least one veteran starter to hold down a spot.

4) How will the Tigers sort out their outfield?
There’s plenty of question about that, with or without Greene in the mix. Akil Baddoo was a revelation last year, but there’s no guarantee he sticks in Detroit to open this season. If the Tigers determine he could use time at Triple-A Toledo to round out his game, he’ll get it. Victor Reyes should have an Opening Day roster spot as a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield spots, but he could also win a starting role. Derek Hill’s healthy stretches last season showed his potential to be a game-changer in center field and provide at least respectable offense. Daz Cameron is trying to earn a roster after a frustrating 2021 season. There’s a ton of position flexibility with this group, but another free-agent signing could leave three players competing for one spot.

5) Is there an under-the-radar prospect who could crack this roster?
Kody Clemens might not qualify as under the radar given the name, but his left-handed power bat and positional flexibility as a right-side infielder and outfielder could give him a chance to win a utility spot if the Tigers’ lineup leans right-handed. He’ll have company in the utility battle, with fellow youngsters Willi Castro and Isaac Paredes also looking to break camp with the big club.