Detroit Tigers will test Isaac Paredes at second base in spring training

The Detroit Tigers have a bit of an organizational logjam at third base and just three weeks to go before spring training.

Jeimer Candelario looked the part of an everyday big leaguer in 2020, but might he play first base instead? Isaac Paredes, only 21 years old, posted a 10-game hitting streak last year as a rookie and is pounding the ball in Mexico this winter. And there's Spencer Torkelson, the organization's prized prospect. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft.

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The solution, at least until Torkelson is ready for the majors, comes down to Paredes' ability to switch to second base. The Tigers aren't sure what to expect, but manager AJ Hinch is going to give him a chance.

"You'll see us try that with him and see what it looks like," Hinch said Tuesday. "There's no harm in trying. It doesn't mean he's not a good third baseman. It doesn't mean he can't make our team as an everyday third baseman, but why not have multiple ways to make our team?"

Executing Paredes' move from third base to second base relies on his defensive range. He grew up as a shortstop, which was his position when the Chicago Cubs signed him in 2015 as an international free agent from Mexico.

Even then, many expected his body type — and offensive firepower — would encourage a move to third base. That's exactly what happened. The Tigers' most recent 40-man roster has him listed at 5-foot-11, 213 pounds.

"It's hard to have good range if you don't take care of your body," Tigers general manager Al Avila said Jan. 7 on WXYT-FM (97.1). "All indications are that he has been. We want guys to hit and hit really good, and the more versatile that you are, the better for everybody."

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In his minor-league career, Paredes has played shortstop (246 games), third base (114) and second base (27). Across 34 games in his first big-league season, he served solely as a third baseman.

"I've made it no secret that I love multi-positional players," Hinch said. "You never quite know when Al can make an acquisition or we promote somebody from within, or the best lineup against a specific pitcher.

"I would like to have a backup plan to your primary position for just about everybody. It won't be that way forever. When we get where we want to get, there's going to be some solid everyday players at one position."

Regardless of where Paredes takes the field, his offense will ultimately determine if he makes the team. But his batting title in the Mexican Pacific Winter League this offseason — a .379 batting average in 42 games — isn't going to guarantee him much in the U.S. Neither will his 1.060 on-base plus slugging percentage.

But it would be difficult to send him to Triple-A Toledo if he showcases similar success in spring training.

Currently competing for a championship, Paredes added four homers, 26 RBIs, 27 walks and 12 strikeouts in the Mexican league's regular season. In 2020 for the Tigers, he went 22-for-100 (.220) with one homer, six RBIs, eight walks and 24 strikeouts.

The Tigers are prepared to test Paredes at second base this spring, thus giving him the best chance to make the team, but Hinch also admits the situation could change depending on potential moves in free agency.

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"A little bit of help at first base changes Candelario's usage," Hinch said. "You sign a middle infielder, and that brings a lot of questions on where these guys can play. The infield is a specific area we're toying with, but every decision we make is going to impact not just one or two or three players.

"It increases the competition for Paredes. It increases the usefulness of moving Goodrum and Candelario around."

Evan Petzold is a sports reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers will test Isaac Paredes at second base this spring