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Tigers: Analyzing Niko Goodrum And his Future With Detroit

By Tyler Kotila

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 10: Niko Goodrum #28 of the Detroit Tigers walks off the field after a collision with Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Minnesota Twins at first base during the sixth inning of the game on May 10, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both Gonzalez and Goodrum were injured on the play and left the game. The Twins defeated the Tigers 6-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 10: Niko Goodrum #28 of the Detroit Tigers walks off the field after a collision with Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Minnesota Twins at first base during the sixth inning of the game on May 10, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both Gonzalez and Goodrum were injured on the play and left the game. The Twins defeated the Tigers 6-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

It is evident that Niko Goodrum was one of the Detroit Tigers better hitters in the 2019 season, but what about the future? What will Goodrum offer the Tigers in the future?

Heading into 2020, the Tigers’ current infield situation looks horrendous, to say the least. Goodrum is currently slotted in as the Tigers’ first baseman; this could change with the rumor of Jeimer Candelario moving across the diamond.

The current situation has the shortstop being Willi Castro and second baseman being Harold Castro, but again, it is early, and things will change. With no free agent signings as of yet, Goodrum appears to be headed toward another year of utility roles, jumping around the infield, but it sure seems like the Tigers could use him.

A team amid a rebuild should be all-for keeping a utility player who offers decent defense. Keeping Goodrum around would be beneficial for the Tigers, so they can flawlessly bring up prospects and give them chances.

For example, if they bring up a corner infielder, Goodrum can cycle through days off, move to the outfield, or middle infield and still provide offense in the lineup. I think Goodrum is a good hitter (for the Tigers lineup) and plays a valuable role in this rebuild if Avila keeps him around.

A comparison that illustrates what Goodrum *could* be is former Baltimore Orioles infielder Jonathan Villar. Now, Villar has better numbers than Goodrum, but he was part of a rebuild and has since been moved to the Marlins, who are also taking part in a rebuild.

If Goodrum is kept around, he plays a valuable role in the lineup and on the field, eventually earns that veteran presence in the locker room and provides value as the Tigers develop and one day get back into competition. Do not mistake this for saying Goodrum is like a future all-star hitter and will be a core part of the Tigers whenever they do become competitive again, but keeping him around during this rebuild has its value.

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