Detroit Tigers to give top prospects shot at Opening Day roster

In order to contend, one needs the best team possible. However, that is far too often not the case, as teams tend to stick their prospects in the minors for any number of reasons just long enough to gain an extra year of control. The Detroit Tigers may not be one of those teams this year.

It would be easy to understand why they would consider doing so. Having an extra year of control for Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene would be enticing. But the Tigers are also looking to contend in 2022. In theory, it is a difficult decision to make.

Detroit Tigers putting wins over service time

That was not the case with the Tigers. They are planning on literally putting their money where their mouth is as general manager Al Avila stated that both Torkelson and Greene will be given a viable chance to crack the Opening Day roster.

Torkelson already has one powerful voice on his side. Miguel Cabrera has stated that is willing to move from first base to a designated hitter role to accommodate the Tigers’ power hitting youngster. At the same time, Greene does not have much competition in center for a starting role.

It really comes down to how both players perform in spring training. Should Torkelson, Greene, or both falter, it will be easy to justify sending them to Triple-A. Torkelson and/or Greene could always make their major league debuts when they start to play better and show that they are ready.

The best case scenario for everyone involved would be for that decision to be taken out of their hands. If Torkelson and Greene hit the ground running and are crushing the ball throughout March, then there will not be a reason to keep them down to start the year.

The Detroit Tigers are giving Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene a chance to make the Opening Day roster. The ball is now in their court.