Detroit Tigers: 3 position players to watch during 2020 shortened season

Niko Goodrum might find himself a home over at the shortstop position in 2020 for the Detroit Tigers.

The Detroit Tigers grabbed the former second-round draft choice of the Minnesota Twins in free agency back in 2017. Since then, he has become a late bloomer. Now twenty-eight years old, Goodrum has found a home in the Tigers organization.

This will be his third year in a Tigers uniform, and he looks to continue an upward trend in terms of overall play. In 2019, Goodrum played in 112 total games, hitting .248/.322/.421 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI on the season.

The year before, in 2018, Goodrum would play in 131 total games, hitting .245/.315/.432 with 16 home runs and 53 RBI. He has been a utility player for the Tigers but can find a home at first base or shortstop. The 2020 season should see Goodrum find his home at shortstop.

Goodrum is in a position to show growth with the Tigers during this 60-game season, especially being that he should find a steady home at shortstop. This is because of the additions of Jonathan Schoop at second base and C.J. Cron adding depth over at first base alongside Miguel Cabrera.

In terms of 2020, expect Goodrum to be able to show some improvements at the plate as well as hopefully in the power column. Being that it is only a 60-game season, seeing him surpass 2018 and 2019 totals for home runs is almost out of the question, but he could show that development.

The key thing to mention, and it may be repetitive, but… development for these players mentioned. If Goodrum can go out and show that he has a good approach in the box, barreling balls up, and showing hints of the power tool, it would be a success.

At the end of the day, the stat sheet does not lie, but the 2020 season is going to see some uncommon heroes, so the eye test, and gauging development with the on-field product is going to be extremely important.