TIGERS' DEPTH CHART: Is Colt Keith the RIGHT Leadoff Man to POWER Detroit Forward in 2026?

Who will crack the Detroit Tigers' 2026 Opening Day lineup—and who gets left out of AJ Hinch’s legendary platoon carousel? Scott Bentley tackles the club’s projected depth chart, weighing in on breakout candidate Colt Keith, Gleyber Torres’ leadoff potential, and the impact of key bats like Riley Green, Spencer Torkelson, and Kerry Carpenter. Is Keith destined for a platoon role, or will he unlock his power and anchor the lineup? Major questions arise around shortstop, with Zach McKinstry and Javy Báez set for a classic righty-lefty split, while Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling fight for outfield reps.

On the mound, Scott Bentley examines the Tigers’ rotation, headlined by Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Reese Olson, and scrutinizes the bullpen hierarchy featuring Kenley Jansen, Will Vest, and Kyle Finnegan. With new hires shaking up the coaching staff and positional battles brewing, find out which adjustments could define Detroit’s playoff hopes.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.