As the 2025 Major League Baseball season kicks off, the Detroit Tigers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the team’s storied history. With a blend of youthful energy, seasoned veterans, and a renewed commitment to competing at the highest level, the Tigers are ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. Opening Day is always an event of immense significance, as it marks the beginning of a new campaign full of hope, expectations, and excitement for fans and players alike. For the Tigers, this year’s Opening Day lineup represents the culmination of years of rebuilding, promising a competitive team ready to make strides toward postseason contention.
At Comerica Park, where the atmosphere will be electric with the home crowd, the Tigers are unveiling their starting lineup for Opening Day in 2025. This carefully crafted roster brings together both emerging stars and trusted veterans who will lead the Tigers throughout the season. The team’s performance on Opening Day sets the tone for what will hopefully be a memorable and successful year.
Let’s dive into the details of the starting lineup the Tigers will put on the field on Opening Day:
1. Riley Greene – Center Fielder (Lead-Off)
The Tigers’ lead-off hitter on Opening Day will be none other than Riley Greene, their highly anticipated young star. Greene is coming off a standout 2024 season that saw him develop into one of the top up-and-coming players in Major League Baseball. His advanced plate discipline, impressive on-base skills, and ability to make consistent contact at the plate make him a perfect fit for the lead-off spot. Greene’s speed and defensive prowess in center field also bring additional value to the Tigers’ lineup.
Greene’s role as the lead-off hitter is crucial to the Tigers’ offensive approach. His ability to get on base, whether through walks or hits, and set the stage for the middle of the order will be critical for the team’s run production. Fans can expect to see Greene showcase his elite batting eye, setting the tone for the rest of the Tigers’ offense. He’s a player who not only promises to hit for average but can also steal bases and create opportunities for his teammates.
2. Spencer Torkelson – First Baseman (Second)
Batting second in the lineup is Spencer Torkelson, who continues to be one of the brightest young stars for the Tigers. Torkelson, the former first overall pick of the 2020 MLB Draft, has steadily developed into one of the premier power hitters for Detroit. After a few seasons of growing pains, Torkelson showed his immense potential during the 2024 campaign, exhibiting both impressive power and an increasing ability to make contact.
The second spot in the lineup is typically reserved for a player who can both drive in runs and advance base runners. With his powerful bat and ability to hit for extra bases, Torkelson is a natural fit here. Torkelson’s job will be to drive in the speedy Riley Greene, while also looking to create scoring opportunities for the middle of the order. Fans are eager to see if the 2025 season will be the one in which Torkelson fully blossoms into the offensive force many expect him to become.
3. Kerry Carpenter – Right Fielder (Third)
Kerry Carpenter, who took a significant step forward in his development in 2024, will bat third in the Tigers’ Opening Day lineup. Carpenter demonstrated impressive power and consistency throughout the previous season, establishing himself as one of the most exciting hitters in Detroit’s offense. His ability to hit for both average and power allows him to be a key figure in the middle of the order.
As the third hitter, Carpenter will be expected to produce run-scoring opportunities. With Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson ahead of him, Carpenter is in an ideal position to drive in runs and help generate extra offense. His potent bat and ability to handle pressure situations will be instrumental in the Tigers’ pursuit of a strong start to the season. His development over the past few seasons gives fans high hopes that he can maintain his upward trajectory and continue to be a key piece of the team’s lineup in 2025.
4. Akil Baddoo – Left Fielder (Cleanup)
One of the most dynamic players on the roster, Akil Baddoo, will take his place as the cleanup hitter on Opening Day. Known for his speed, bat-to-ball skills, and explosive power, Baddoo has the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat. Although his consistency has been a work in progress, he showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 and is expected to take on a bigger role in 2025.
Batting fourth, Baddoo will be tasked with driving in runs and providing a powerful presence in the middle of the order. His ability to hit for both average and power, combined with his speed, makes him a dangerous threat. If he can stay healthy and maintain a consistent approach at the plate, Baddoo could be one of the Tigers’ most valuable hitters this season. The team’s success in 2025 will depend on how well he can capitalize on his potential.
5. Javier Báez – Shortstop (Fifth)
As one of the Tigers’ highest-paid players, Javier Báez will be batting fifth for the Tigers on Opening Day. Báez, known for his exciting and sometimes unpredictable play, has been a vital part of Detroit’s lineup since his arrival in 2022. His combination of power, speed, and defensive ability makes him one of the most electrifying players in the league. However, his offensive consistency has been a point of concern in recent seasons, and he’ll need to maintain a solid approach in 2025 to help drive the Tigers’ offense.
Báez has the ability to change a game with his bat, whether through clutch hits, extra-base power, or his speed on the base paths. With Torkelson, Carpenter, and Baddoo ahead of him, Báez will have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs and contribute to the Tigers’ offense. His experience and leadership will be key to stabilizing the middle of the order and providing a steady presence in the clubhouse.
6. Jonathan Schoop – Second Baseman (Sixth)
The reliable Jonathan Schoop will hit sixth for the Tigers on Opening Day. Schoop, who has been a mainstay in Detroit’s lineup for several years, is known for his power from the right side and his ability to drive in runs. While his offensive numbers have fluctuated, he remains a steady presence at the plate and a valuable member of the Tigers’ lineup.
Schoop’s power and experience make him a solid option in the sixth spot, where he will be expected to continue driving in runs and providing protection for the players ahead of him in the lineup. His ability to hit with runners on base could be an important factor for the Tigers in 2025. Schoop’s leadership and experience also make him a key figure in helping the younger players around him develop.
7. Eric Haase – Catcher (Seventh)
Eric Haase, who has been a fixture in the Tigers’ lineup for several seasons, will take on the duties of the starting catcher and bat seventh in the lineup. Haase, known for his power and occasional clutch hitting, provides a solid bat in the lower part of the order. He has been a reliable backstop for the Tigers, providing both offensive and defensive value.
As a catcher, Haase’s ability to handle the pitching staff and provide a steady presence behind the plate is crucial. His bat has the potential to produce extra-base hits and provide much-needed pop in the lower half of the order. With a solid defensive reputation, Haase plays an important role in both guiding the pitching staff and contributing offensively.
8. Miguel Cabrera – Designated Hitter (Eighth)
The legendary Miguel Cabrera will serve as the Tigers’ designated hitter on Opening Day, batting eighth in the lineup. Cabrera, in the twilight of his illustrious career, is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. Though he no longer has the same power he once did, his veteran presence and ability to deliver clutch hits remain vital to the Tigers.
Cabrera’s ability to contribute in key moments and his leadership in the clubhouse will be essential for the Tigers in 2025. As the designated hitter, he’ll be able to focus solely on his hitting, and fans are hoping that he can still provide some memorable moments in his final season. Cabrera’s legacy is secure, but his role as a mentor to younger players is just as important as his performance on the field.
9. Nick Maton – Third Baseman (Ninth)
Finally, Nick Maton will bat ninth and play third base for the Tigers on Opening Day. Maton, known for his solid defensive abilities and his versatility, is a reliable presence at the hot corner. Though not known for his offensive prowess, Maton is capable of providing quality at-bats and getting on base when needed.
As the ninth hitter, Maton’s job will be to help turn the lineup over and set the stage for the top of the order. His ability to make contact and work counts will be important in allowing the Tigers to capitalize on scoring opportunities. His reliable defense and solid base-running ability give the Tigers an added dimension, and he will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition from the top of the order to the bottom.
