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Tigers Make Unexpected Move On 2022 First-Round Pick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 10:46 AM ET

Detroit Tigers top prospect Jace Jung won’t begin 2025 in the majors after all.

The Tigers announced Monday they sent Jung, the 2022 draft’s No. 12 pick, to minor-league camp. Detroit also optioned veteran left-hander Sean Guenther, who tallied a 0.86 ERA across 21 innings last season.

Detroit’s curious decision admittedly makes sense on paper. Jung posted a miserable .121 average and .489 OPS over 37 spring plate appearances.

However, the Tigers are fresh off their first playoff appearance in a decade. Detroit essentially committed to starting the 24-year-old Jung at third when ex-Houston Astros star Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox.

Instead, Jung will start the year in Toledo—and the Tigers don’t have a clear replacement plan.

The Tigers’ official website lists Andy Ibáñez as Jung’s backup. Ibáñez owns a .255 average, 16 homers, a .709 OPS, and 3.2 bWAR since the start of 2023.

Zach McKinstry also figures to earn third base reps. McKinstry, who turns 30 in April, hit .215 in 118 games last year while primarily playing shortstop and third.

Jung batted .241 with three RBI and a .665 OPS in his first 34 games. He went hitless in two playoff at-bats.

Detroit is already without outfielders Matt Vierling (right rotator cuff strain) and Parker Meadows (right upper arm nerve discomfort), though both expect to return in April.

Now seems like the perfect time for a Javier Báez comeback season, doesn’t it?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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