CHICAGO -- Turnover in baseball is inevitable and often healthy.
But it’s still a bit surprising to realize that only 12 players from last year’s Opening Day roster are on the Detroit Tigers’ 2024 Opening Day roster.
An additional six players are still in the organization and will open the season in the minor leagues, including several -- Matt Manning, Beau Brieske and Ryan Kreidler -- who were among the final cuts of camp.
So there’s probably more stability than the original number might suggest.
Where did everybody else go?
Five players -- all pitchers -- are on the rosters of other MLB teams.
Four players are permanently or temporarily out of stateside baseball.
Left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd should be back by next season after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but designated hitter Miguel Cabrera is officially retired; infielder Jonathan Schoop has found work in Mexico; and outfielder Austin Meadows, who has battled mental health challenges, doesn’t appear ready to step back into the game.
The list below includes all 31 players who either started the 2023 season on the active roster or were on the Major League injured list.
On Tigers’ 2023 Opening Day roster (12): Right-handed pitchers Casey Mize, Alex Lange and Jason Foley; left-handed pitchers Tarik Skubal and Joey Wentz; catcher Jake Rogers; infielders Javier Báez, Zach McKinstry, and Spencer Torkelson; and outfielders Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene and Matt Vierling.
Still in Tigers’ system (6): Right-handed pitchers Matt Manning, Trey Wingenter, Garrett Hill, Mason Englert and Beau Brieske; and infielder Ryan Kreidler.
On another MLB team (5): Left-handed pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Tyler Alexander; and right-handed pitchers Spencer Turnbull, Jose Cisnero and Michael Lorenzen.
In the minor-league system of another team (1): Left-handed pitcher Chasen Shreve.
On waivers after failing to make Opening Day roster (3): Infielders Nick Maton and Tyler Nevin; and catcher Eric Haase.
Playing in Mexico (1): Infielder Jonathan Schoop
Currently unsigned or out of baseball (2): Left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd (injured) and outfielder Austin Meadows.
Retired (1): Designated hitter Miguel Cabrera.