It looks as though Niko Goodrum is going to get his chance to be a part of the long-term solution for the Detroit Tigers.
General manager Al Avila announced that Goodrum will be given the opportunity to be the club's full time shortstop during MLB's General Manager Meetings at the Omni Resort in Arizona.
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“All the indicators seem to point to him being the guy that can play shortstop for us in 2020,” Avila said. “He’ll certainly receive that opportunity. He’s done a fantastic job as a super-utility guy and that’s really probably his best role. But in our situation right now, (shortstop) might turn out to be the best bet.”
Of course, eyes will also be on prospect Willi Castro, who made his Major League debut last season.
“In a perfect world Willi Castro probably needs a bit more seasoning in Toledo,” Avila said. “In saying that, in spring training he’ll be allowed to compete and see what happens. But the player coming back that we feel good about that can possibly give us the most innings at shortstop is Niko Goodrum.”
Goodrum finished 2018 playing all six positions in the field (all four infield positions, plus left field and right field) for the Tigers. After hitting .248 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI in 2019, his season was shut down in August following an abductor strain.
