Based on his performance with the Detroit Tigers in 2018, Niko Goodrum should be a strong candidate to win a starting job in 2019. But what position might he be starting at?
In 2018, Niko Goodrum turned out to be one the Detroit Tigers‘ greatest surprises. Through 131 games, the switch-hitting Goodrum produced a very respectable slash line of .245/.315/.432 (102 0PS+). He ranked third on the team with 16 home runs, trailing only Jeimer Candelario (19) and Nick Castellanos (23).
Going into the 2019 season, the Tigers will have a few vacancies that are likely to be created either by players retiring or leaving via free agency. As a super utility player who manned a total of six different positions for the Tigers in 2018, Goodrum could be a prime candidate to fill any of the spots that are almost certain to be available.
At shortstop, it appears that the Tigers are ready to move on from the Jose Iglesias, who is set to enter free agency for the first time of his career. Early in October, Iglesias posted a farewell message to Tigers fans on Instagram, leaving many to believe that the door is all but closed on the possibility of him returning to Detroit.
Goodrum played a bit of shortstop in 2018, appearing in a total of 12 games and making 10 starts at the position. Of course, Goodrum would be a downgrade from Iglesias defensively, but would give the team a bit of a lift on offense, especially in the power department.
It also appears that the Detroit Tigers will have another position up for grabs at second base, the position where Goodrum logged the majority of his time in 2018. Assuming a free agent is not signed, Goodrum’s greatest competition at second could be prospect Dawel Lugo. The 23-year-old Lugo appeared in 27 games with the Tigers in 2018, hitting .213/.267/.309 with a homer.
The Tigers might also want to consider using Goodrum as an option at first base. Superstar Miguel Cabrera, who played in just 38 games last season, will be entering his age-36 season. It appears that more time in the DH slot could be a likely part of the next chapter of the future Hall of Famer’s career.
Lastly, there could be an opening for Goodrum in the outfield. Right now, it appears quite likely that the Tigers will be going with Christin Stewart in left field and JaCoby Jones in center. However, if the Tigers decide to trade Castellanos or move him to first base, it could conceivably open up right field for Goodrum.
Of course, it is also possible that the Tigers will want to continue using Goodrum as a super utility player, simply moving him around the diamond from game to game. After all, the team might be hard-pressed to find another player with both his versatility and the ability to deliver double-digit home run power. He presents a bit of a luxury for Detroit in this role.
However, if the Detroit Tigers do want to use Goodrum as an everyday player at a certain position, it would seam that second base might be the most logical fit as it stands right now, if one had to guess. He would be a fine candidate to fill any of Detroit’s other vacancies as well, but he currently seams to be the most natural solution for the Tigers’ current predicament at second base.