Detroit Tigers: Can Kody Clemens be a difference-maker?

The Detroit Tigers have struggled to piece together a roster with all of their injuries and players ending up on Injured List (IL) stints. With that being said, the Tigers added second basemen Kody Clemens to their big league roster.

He is yet to make his debut for the Detroit Tigers but is someone who has been with the organization for some time now. He’s a product of the third round of the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft, where he was selected from the University of Texas at Austin.

The Tigers have yet to put much value on Clemens as he’s not yet made his debut, but this chance to play for the big-league club might spark something. He’s got to breakout quickly and shows that he can be a difference-maker.

The injury bug has been a real issue for the Tigers organization, but having prospects fill these roles is something that will prove to be beneficial for the long run of the Tigers organization. Clemens getting the job done early on will be very important.

Detroit Tigers infielder Kody Clemens can be a difference-maker.

Clemens was performing well with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens squad and is now looking to do more of the same with the Tigers when he gets the opportunity. In 2022, Clemens has played in 45 games where he’s logged 197 plate appearances.

He’s slashed .283/.316/.527 with eight home runs and 31 RBI overall on the season. Now he’s looking to bring some of that performance to the big leagues. He was drafted as a second baseman but has since been acclimated elsewhere.

He’s got a little bit of Jonathan Schoop or Willi Castro in him. He can slot in at first, second, or third for the Tigers or could be called upon to spend some time in the outfield if needed as well. The versatility only helps him as he starts to get used to the big leagues with the Tigers.

The biggest thing for Clemens is going to be making that jump and adjusting to the professional ranks quickly. While he may just be filling a spot right now while the Tigers get players healthy, there’s a chance he can jump into the lineup and make a difference early on.

Clemens will get opportunities and be called upon at times by manager A.J. Hinch. The Tigers need their prospects to step up and fill roles; the question is how much Clemens can add value-wise.