Detroit Tigers: Potential position battles for spring training 2018

The Detroit Tigers are now in a rebuilding stage and are expected to lose quite a few games in 2018. Before the Tigers embark on the 2018 campaign, however, there are a few things that will need to be sorted out in Spring Training.

When the Detroit Tigers take the field on Opening Day of 2018, they will be a different looking team than they have been in years past. They have a new manager in Ron Gardenhire, and many veteran players are no longer present. The roster will feature fresh faces in the form of both free agent signings and young players.

Apparently, last season, the Detroit Tigers traded away quite a few players in J.D. Martinez, Justin Wilson, Alex Avila, Justin Upton and Justin Verlander. They have continued the trend this offseason in trading away veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Los Angeles Angels for prospects Wilkel Hernandez and Troy Montgomery.

There has also been a certain amount of speculation regarding the availability of players such as Nicholas Castellanos and ace Michael Fulmer, though both remain Tigers for the time being.

While the Tigers do appear to have a few positions set for next seasons: Miguel Cabrera at first base, Jose Iglesias at shortstop, James McCann behind the plate, Castellanos in right field and Fulmer at the top of the rotation, there should also be a few roster battles taking place in Spring Training.

Here are few positions that could conceivably be up for grabs going into the coming season.