Tigers' Justyn-Henry Malloy: Slated for corner outfield role
Rotowire
Malloy has been asked to prepare to play corner outfield this spring, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.
The bulk of Malloy's time in the minors has been spent at third base, including last season at Triple-A Toledo. However, his defense has always lagged behind his offense and it looks like a full-time move to the outfield is in the offing. The 23-year-old did start 44 games between left and right field at Toledo in 2023, so it's not going to be a major adjustment for him. Malloy's bat looks nearly ready, as he's coming off a season that saw him slash .277/.417/.474 with 23 home runs and 83 RBI.
Malloy is hitting .329 with a .424 OBP, five home runs, two steals and a 20:14 K:BB over his last 20 games for Triple-A Toledo.
He had a bit of a slump from the middle of May until the middle of June, but Malloy has now had multiple red-hot stretches as well. Malloy started the year playing third base for the Mud Hens, but he has been playing the outfield corners over the past few weeks, clearing a path for Colt Keith at third base.
Malloy is hitting .391 with a .538 OBP and three home runs in 20 games for Triple-A Toledo.
A bat-first masher, Malloy has split time this year between third base and designated hitter. He has more walks (20) than strikeouts (17) and while his .490 BABIP is a clear sign he is playing over his head, Malloy is undisputedly in complete control at the dish right now. The 23-year-old slugger ranks third in the International League with a 198 wRC+. Nick Maton (-0.2 fWAR) and Tyler Nevin (-0.3 fWAR) lead the Tigers in playing time at third base, so a big-league debut could come sooner than later for Malloy.
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Tigers' Justyn-Henry Malloy: Could contribute at 3B in 2023
Rotowire
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris mentioned Monday that Malloy could play third base for the Tigers in 2023, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.
"[Malloy is] not in the big leagues right now, but he's as close as you can possibly be (to) the big leagues," Harris said, "and he plays third base." Acquired in the deal that sent Joe Jimenez to Atlanta, Malloy impressed in the minors in 2022 with an .862 OPS, 17 homers and five steals over 478 plate appearances with High-A Rome, Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. The 23-year-old will likely start the year in the minors -- Triple-A Toledo would seem to be the destination -- but he's a name to keep an eye on if/when Detroit gives him a chance to play over the summer.
