Tigers Eye Replacement Options for Struggling Jahmai Jones

In what has been a challenging 2025 season for the Detroit Tigers, lefty masher Jahmai Jones has struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed last year, when he seized a key role from Andy Ibáñez during the AL Wild Card series. While it’s easy to overlook early-season slumps, the reality is that as June rolls in, Jones has shown little sign of turning things around. With each passing game, he enters as a pinch-hitter for Colt Keith, Kerry Carpenter, or Zach McKinstry, but consistently fails to deliver, leaving the Tigers in a precarious position with their bench.

Scott Harris, the Tigers’ general manager, has aimed to build a versatile roster, yet the presence of limited players like Jones has undermined that vision. This year, Jones has not only struggled against left-handed pitching but has become increasingly one-dimensional, offering little more than pinch-running capabilities. With the Tigers operating with a 12-man position player roster, the need for a more functional player is becoming urgent.

Last season, Jones hit seven home runs and posted a 159 wRC+ in 150 plate appearances, predominantly against lefties. However, in 2025, he has managed just two homers and a staggering 35 wRC+ in 86 plate appearances, prompting calls for a change.

While 86 plate appearances is a small sample size, the Tigers’ desperation for offensive support leaves little room for patience. With a stacked injury list slowly clearing, the time has come to reconsider the final roster spot, and for many, the ideal solution appears to be calling up Trei Cruz.

Cruz, a switch-hitter with balanced splits, is arguably the Tigers’ best current option in center field. His defensive versatility and disciplined at-bats could provide the team with the flexibility they desperately need. Although he may not significantly outperform Jones at the plate, Cruz’s speed and fielding skills would enhance the bench, allowing for a more adaptable roster.

Integrating Cruz into the lineup could also allow the Tigers to sit Wenceel Pérez and Matt Vierling against right-handed starters, positioning Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter in the corners. Pérez, who excels against left-handed pitching, could seamlessly take over Jones’ role, offering more defensively as well. Furthermore, Cruz would provide manager AJ Hinch with another option at shortstop, potentially allowing the team to DFA Zack Short and promote one of their promising infielders.

Though Cruz has only recently returned to the Toledo Mud Hens after a lengthy absence, the focus is less on his current batting average and more on the flexibility he would bring to the roster. This would allow the Tigers to utilize Pérez, Vierling, and other right-handed hitters against lefties, thereby maximizing their offensive potential.

If the Tigers opt to hold off on Cruz, they could consider adding right-handed hitting outfielders from Triple-A, such as Ben Malgeri or Corey Julks. Julks has shown promise with 11 homers and 8 stolen bases this season, but his major league experience has been lackluster. Malgeri, a 26-year-old homegrown talent, has also demonstrated potential, but his history suggests he may not be the answer either.

Alternatively, if the Tigers are hesitant to part ways with Jones just yet, they could DFA Zack Short and use Zach McKinstry as a backup at shortstop. This would open the door for either Hao-Yu Lee or Max Anderson to join the roster. Lee, with his better defensive skills, could be a more appealing option, but Anderson’s power against left-handed pitching makes him a contender as well.

Another potential avenue for the Tigers would be to seek a trade for a versatile right-handed hitting outfielder. Any player who can contribute offensively and defensively would be a welcome upgrade over Jones, but such trades are often challenging to execute mid-season.

As the season progresses, it’s clear that Jahmai Jones, once a force off the bench, is not meeting expectations this year. His struggles not only impact his performance but also limit the Tigers’ options late in games. While manager AJ Hinch continues to seek ways to ignite Jones’ bat, the team cannot afford to wait indefinitely for a turnaround. If the Tigers decide to DFA Jones, finding interest in a struggling lefty-masher could prove difficult, and he may ultimately accept a Triple-A assignment to regain his form.

Ultimately, the Tigers must reconsider their roster strategy, especially concerning players who aren’t contributing effectively. Trei Cruz stands out as a player who could inject much-needed versatility into the lineup. While the team may prefer to let him regain his rhythm in Triple-A, the benefits of adding him to the roster are compelling. With the Tigers looking to revitalize their bench, the time for action is now.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.