The Detroit Tigers have a strong roster and plenty of top prospects waiting in the wings in the minor leagues. In their window of contention, the Tigers are seeking ways to bolster their roster and may consider moving on from some players in the offseason.
With the rising prospects and crowded roster, Colin Keane of Motor City Bengals predicts that in the offseason, the Tigers will part ways with former first-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft, infielder Jace Jung.
“… Jace Jung is a former first-round pick who hasn’t yet broken through as a consistent big league contributor, particularly at the plate.” Keane writes. “His MLB sample size isn’t large (124 at-bats), but his production in limited opportunities hasn’t warranted more of them.”
Jung hasn’t played much in the Majors in his big league career, but the 24-year-old hasn’t shown enough to warrant a consistent roster spot. He has a .554 OPS in the Majors, going 5-45 this season for Detroit.
Detroit is looking to win now, and Jung isn’t a huge part of that equation. He’s a former first-round pick, so he might garner some attention on the trade block, but the Tigers aren’t keen on keeping him long-term.
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The reason? Combined with the team’s top prospects, who play the same positions as Jung, the Tigers are looking to win now. If they were still developing, or perhaps had a few more years with Tarik Skubal, then Jung might have had a more significant role.
But, with the Tigers no longer rebuilding or retooling, the development of Jung is on the back burner. Trading him while he still holds some value is the best path forward for both sides.
Instead of languishing in the minors, Jung could find a new team and get a longer shot in the Majors in 2026. This scenario would be the best case for everyone going forward.
Detroit would free up a 40-man roster spot and clear the way for their top prospects, while also adding value in a deal. Jung would get a much-needed change of scenery, and whichever team he’s dealt to would be getting a player with intriguing potential.
Keane’s prediction that Jung will be dealt in the offseason is likely to come true, as it makes sense for everyone involved. It could be a very busy offseason for the Tigers, and Jung is likely to be at the center of their roster moves following the 2025 season.
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