The Detroit Tigers have officially added outfielder Akil Baddoo to their 40-man roster, a strategic move following the optioning of infielder Jace Jung to the minors. This decision comes as the team looks to fortify their roster amidst the challenges presented by injuries and inconsistent performance.
Jace Jung, a former first-round draft pick and once a top-100 prospect, has struggled to find his footing in the majors. Despite a promising start with a .241/.362/.304 batting line in his first 34 games last season, Jung’s performance has significantly declined, highlighted by a current batting average of just .111. With notable strikeout rates still lingering around 28.3%, the Tigers have opted to give him more time to develop in the minor leagues, especially considering his strong showing at the Triple-A level last season.
The Tigers previously created room on the 40-man roster by cutting Kenta Maeda and Manuel Margot, making it easier to accommodate Baddoo. The club’s decision to bring Baddoo back into the fold stems from his prior breakout season in 2021, where he showcased a strong offensive skill set. However, he faced a downturn in performance over the following seasons. After undergoing hamate surgery in February, Baddoo has made a commendable recovery and demonstrated his readiness with a solid .245/.336/.471 line at the Triple-A level, which reinstates hope for his potential impact in the majors.
With Baddoo’s addition, the Tigers hope to leverage their outfield more effectively, as players like Javier Báez and Zach McKinstry could shift positions to integrate Baddoo into their plans. Additionally, Matt Vierling is on a rehabilitation assignment, which signals further adjustments to the lineup and could impact roster decisions moving forward.
Overall, the Tigers appear to be taking a proactive approach in navigating their roster amid challenges, aiming to blend young talent with experienced players to enhance their competitive edge. The coming weeks will be critical for Jung and the Tigers as they assess the potential and flexibility within their roster, especially in light of the 137 days remaining in the regular season.