Detroit Tigers: Jonathan Schoop open to moving around the infield

Looking at the Detroit Tigers 2021 roster, the word versatility is starting to become redundant. But that is not always a bad thing, and recently signed Jonathan Schoop is another example of this.

While Schoop played for the Detroit Tigers during the 2020 season, he rejoins them again in 2021 on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. A great signing by Al Avila and the front office, which just gets better after recent comments, have Schoop slated to show some versatility in the infield.

The Tigers already commented on the idea of Isaac Paredes moving around the infield during the 2021 season, and that might be the best move given the signing of Schoop and the way the prospects are developing so far.

Schoop is no stranger to some versatility, even though he was signed to just play second base for the Tigers during the 2020 season. Still expect him to adjust well to being moved around and be one of the lineup’s best hitters on a daily basis.

It seems like the Detroit Tigers are going to draw some versatility out of Schoop during the 2021 season.

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The Detroit Tigers are exploring having Jonathan Schoop play second and third base and mixing in some time at shortstop as well.

In fact, Schoop was a finalist for the Gold Glove this offseason after his play in 2020 for the Tigers over at second base.

The defender has logged 805 games at the second base position, but he has shifted around playing some shortstop and third base.

He has a superb .981 fielding percentage at second base during his career. The twenty-nine-year-old claims he is going to do anything he can to prove he belongs.

After his 2020 performance, he was well deserving of another look by the Tigers in 2021, and it was shocking it took them this long to reach an agreement with Schoop. Last year, Schoop played in 44 games where he hit .278/.324/.475 with eight home runs and 23 RBI for the Tigers.

If he can put up similar or better numbers, the Tigers should be thrilled with the output. Especially in the return to a longer season, Schoop should be able to settle in once again and be a solid infielder for the Tigers.

Shifting him around makes sense; it allows him to be a Plug’n’Play type of player. Looking around the infield, Schoop has not even ruled out a move over to first base; however, Miguel Cabrera is vying for time over there.

But over at third base, Schoop will be competing for time with Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes. Candelario, who is coming off a strong season, and Paredes, who will be moving around the infield as well.

At shortstop, Willi Castro is looking to settle in as the everyday guy but will likely see competition for time between players like Niko Goodrum and Isaac Paredes. Do not forget about Harold Castro and his utility player abilities.

Schoop being able to bounce around between positions and still find success in the batters’ box is going to be a real asset to the Tigers lineup in 2021.