If the Detroit Tigers are going to take advantage of an incredible 2025 start and make this season one to remember, it will require a level of urgency. One that demands a higher standard than has been set for the roster over the past handful of seasons. With this in mind, there isn't any question that the team could easily find an upgrade over current part-time shortstop Trey Sweeney. It is growing increasingly difficult to rationalize having the infielder as a part of the active roster with his current performance level. There isn't any debating that Sweeney has been bad at short and left little reason to continue to plug him into the lineup.
With the questionable defense, it is even more difficult to swallow the .222 average and complete lack of offensive consistency. If you take away Sweeney's lone hot streak of the season, and combine the numbers before and after, things are truly bleak. It is glaring that a change needs to be made, and the Tigers need to find someone more reliable for the roster spot. This doesn't mean a blockbuster trade or a huge move, but rather looking at possible improvements for a wasted roster spot.
Trey Sweeney's Time with the Tigers is Approaching an End
If this franchise is serious about making a postseason run, the standard must be raised above what Sweeney is capable of offering. His spot on the roster could be used for a superior pinch-hitting option or a defender capable of supporting a strong lineup. In either scenario, it is a clear upgrade that pushes the Tigers a step closer to the ultimate goal.
This isn't meant to be a shot at Sweeney, but in a brutal league, pointing out the difficult reality of his situation. The infielder is a liability at the plate and is playing far worse than expected in the field. It is hard to continue to justify wasting a roster spot on a player who simply isn't bringing value on either side of the ball.
Detroit would be wise to begin reaching out and attempting to find a trade that would offer both an upgrade and move away from the current Tigers' infielder. As difficult as it might be to admit, it is time to turn the page on Sweeney and push this roster closer to making a deep run in the months to come.