Detroit Tigers looking for path for Ryan Kreidler
Ryan Krieder would appear to be a player without a position for the Detroit Tigers. With Javier Baez slotted in at short for the foreseeable future and the two year extension signed by Jonathan Schoop, Kreidler does not appear to have a viable path to the majors. Understandably, this has led to several teams calling about his availability.
But that time may not be as long in coming as it would seem. Baez has an opt-out clause after 2023. Schoop and Jeimer Candelario are also under two years of team control as well. There would be a chance for Kreidler to be a part of the Tigers’ future, but it could take some time.
Finding a path for Ryan Kreidler with Detroit Tigers
That future could involve some changes in the present. The Tigers are looking to get Kriedler more experience at other positions with the idea that he can be a utility player sooner rather than later at the major league level.
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Such a plan could get his bat to the majors much sooner. Kreidler exploded on the prospect map last season, producing a strong .270/.349/.454 batting line with 22 homers and 23 doubles in 550 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A. He also added 15 steals as he showed that he could be an impressive asset in the lineup.
Kreidler also has a slight bit of experience at other positions. He made just seven appearances at third last year, but spent significant time at the hot corner in college. Likewise, he made his first two appearances at second during the Arizona Fall League last year.
It will take time for Kreidler to get comfortable at those positions. Yes, he has experience at third, but has not spent significant time at the position since his time at UCLA. His experience at short should allow him to handle second and third perfectly well, but it still takes time to be capable of playing those positions at the major league level.
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The Detroit Tigers are looking for a path forward with Ryan Kreidler. Even with the roadblocks in the infield, he can be a big part of the future.