Detroit Tigers: Who will play shortstop in 2019?

Niko Goodrum

In 2018, Niko Goodrum has been one of the Tigers’ most pleasant surprises. He made the team out of Spring Training as a utility man and essentially hit his way into a regular playing role.

Through 109 games, Goodrum has hit .229/.300/.419 with 13 home runs and 41 RBI. Of course, his average and on-base percentage are low. He is also striking out a bit too much with a 27.3 percent K rate. However, the switch-hitting Goodrum has shown a good eye with an 8.4 percent walk rate and has been a source of unexpected power. His 13 home runs rank third on the team, trailing only Jeimer Candelario and Nick Castellanos.

Goodrum has also been a very versatile player, playing six different positions for the Detroit Tigers this year. He has spent the majority of his time at second base. It will be interesting to see whether the Tigers will keep him at second base next season, or if someone like prospect Dawel Lugo could potentially bump him from that position. The Tigers might also decide that he is best suited for a super utility role.

Goodrum has made only five starts at shortstop this season but played the position quite extensively in the minor leagues. It may not be incredibly likely that the Tigers view Goodrum as an everyday option at shortstop, but it is a slightly outside-the-box idea worth pondering nevertheless. While it would be pretty safe to say that he wouldn’t be Iglesias defensively, perhaps he could make up for it with his bat.