Lakeland, Florida – A year ago, Matt Vierling arrived in spring training as an alleged leader in what looked like a crowded competition.
Then the Detroit Tigers signed the third basic player of the veteran Gio UrshelaAnd just like that, Vierling’s plans – and its role – have changed.
Vierling pivoted towards an external public service, bouncing everywhere where the team needed him. He did not just adapt – he prospered, recording 144 games on five positions in 2024. He struck a career summit of 16 circuits while posting a 107 OPS + more than 567 plaques appearances.
This spring, if the tigers make another late signature, the impact on programming – and on Vierling – could be even deeper.
Tigers, like the rest of baseball, are still waiting to see Where Alex Bregman will land. If he signs with Detroit, Vierling will be able to store his third base glove for at least the next few months – and perhaps the next few years.
On Wednesday, the unresolved free agency of Bregman remained a hot topic in Lakeland. The same goes for Cubs Camp in Mesa, Arizona, Blue Jays Camp in Dunedin, Florida, and the Astros installation in West Palm Beach.
It is believed that the three teams are among those of the mixture for Bregman, a double all-star and MVP finalist known for his power, his plaque discipline and his excellent defense.
The 31 -year -old would have refused a 156 million dollar proposal over six years of Houston, where he spent the first nine seasons in his career. His goal? A $ 200 million agreement said, which now seems increasingly inaccessible.
Of course, it was almost impossible to separate the facts from fiction with regard to the analysis of rumors linked to Bregman. The only thing that is certain is that training in the spring is underway, and Bregman will have to sign somewhere soon.
Hinch, who lives in Houston during the offseason, said that he had been bombed with questions wherever he went – in planes, in restaurants, even while walking in the street.
“He is a very talented player, a very impactful player and someone who is close to my heart,” said Hinch on Wednesday. “He’s a guy with whom I am very close. So, I stayed largely away from talking to me because he is not here. I tried not to enter the public relations that try to recruit it here. But he can help any major league team, and time will say where it is and what he chooses. ”
If Bregman does not sign with Detroit, the current plan of the third goal tigers will be developed. Vierling could end up playing an important role in the warm corner, potentially in a peloton with Jace Jung, a high -level hope and a second natural goal player who moved to the third and made his debut last year.
Vierling, mainly a voltiseur throughout his career, said that he had devoted most of his work of off -season to the third basis due to the defensive challenge he presents.
“I worked everywhere. The most demanding was the third goal, so I took a lot of bullets on the ground there, preparing this,” said Vierling. “I know there is all the conversation on Bregman, but I prepare for anything. He is an incredible player. I work hard on the third goal. If he signs, I will mix even more.”
Hinch said he was concentrated on the group currently in Lakeland. Just like Vierling, if someone else is added to the mixture, it will adjust accordingly.
“I see this group really hungry to get on the ground,” said Hinch. “I know that the subject around the game is that there are still free agents, both on the side of the player and the pitching side. But we have to block ourselves and focus on the group that is here and manage anything if and when it happens.
“Is it a subject in each clubhouse of Major League? Yeah. I mean, you are asked questions about the players who are not in the camp or who could possibly be added. We will do our best as trainers to keep these guys focused on their work and see what is going on. Obviously, the world of baseball expects a lot from these guys to get out of the group.
For the moment, Vierling finds himself in a familiar position – inverted, adaptable and waiting to see where he then adapts.
Even if Bregman signs, Vierling is going nowhere. It is the rare type of player who can count on regular playing time without regular position.
“I’m ready for everything, and it suits me completely,” he said.
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