LAKELAND, FL – Maybe, it was the palm trees. Or the lake off in the distance. But a Jimmy Buffett song popped into my head:
“As the son of a son of a sailor/I went out on the sea for adventure.”
But this was just a little different. This was baseball’s version. Because Trei Cruz is the son of a son of an MLB player.
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His father, José Cruz Jr., was a Gold Glove-winning outfielder who played for nine teams over 12 seasons. His grandfather José Cruz was a two-time All-Star outfielder who played for three teams over 19 seasons.
“People always ask me about pressure but, honestly, I don’t feel it,” Trei Cruz said. “I’m my own guy. I’ve got my own journey. But I want to be a third-generation baseball player. There’s only been five or six families that ever did it.”
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
FAMILY AFFAIR: Detroit Tigers prospect Trei Cruz leans on dad, grandpa to add to family’s baseball legacy
He took a step closer to that goal when the Tigers added him to their 40-man roster on Nov. 18, 2025. Tigers assistant GM Ryan Garko called Cruz with the news.
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“I had a lot of emotions,” Cruz said.
So, Cruz, 27, asked the big question. “How can I make the big-league roster?” Cruz said.
“He said, ‘Continue to do what you’re doing,’” Cruz said. “‘You had a great ‘25 season. There’s nothing to change. Continue to be versatile.’”
Versatility is the thing that is so fascinating about Cruz, who has turned into a switch-hitting Swiss Army knife. Since being selected as a shortstop in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Cruz has played everywhere but first base and catcher in the Tigers system.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
PROSPECT WATCH: Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark will get their chances to shine this spring
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But nothing about the journey has been easy.
“What I’ve seen from Trei through the years has just been resilience,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “It hasn’t been an easy path for him. He was a third-rounder and comes from a major league family and has had to repeat levels, including Erie a lot. He hasn’t been discouraged. He’s continued to work on his game.”
Or as Cruz said: “It’s been a grind.”
Overcoming so many obstacles
In 2021, Cruz dislocated his right shoulder on his first professional hit
“Then proceeded to get COVID after that, then got mono after that,” he said. “So, my first year was rough.”
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When he finally got healthy, he started climbing through the Tigers system.
Then, ugh, more trouble.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers signs autographs for Brady Simmons, 11, Tyler Thomas, 12, and their father Nick Thomas, all of Port Huron after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers signs autographs for Brady Simmons, 11, Tyler Thomas, 12, and their father Nick Thomas, all of Port Huron after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler, left, high-fives assistant athletic trainer Chris McDonald at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
An Air Stream trailer is seen parked outside of Detroit Tigers clubhouse during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Up close with Max Clark in his first Detroit Tigers spring training
From left, Detroit Tigers outfielder Ben Malgeri, outfielder Trei Cruz, outfielder Max Clark and infielder Kevin McGonigle practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung, right, practices next to infielder Zach McKinstry during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres, right, practices next to infielder John Peck during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo smiles at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres high-fives teammates after practicing a drill during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Ben Malgeri practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez shakes hands with catcher Dillon Dingler after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, left, talks to catcher Dillon Dingler during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch talks to pitcher Framber Valdez at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, left, talks to pitcher Jackson Jobe during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tanner Rainey practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Konnor Pilkington practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee practices next to hitting coach Michael Brdar during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, left, talks to general manager Jeff Greenberg, president of baseball operations Scott Harris and vice president, assistant general manager Ryan Garko during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero, left, talks to pitching coach Chris Fetter, center, and assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee’s baseball bat during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle watches live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers catching coach Ryan Sienko watches practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle walks back to the bench after live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Sean Guenther throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Sean Guenther throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers hitting coach Michael Brdar watches live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, left, president of baseball operations Scott Harris, right, watch at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter, left, talks to catcher Tomás Nido after throwing at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Up close with Max Clark in his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Up close with Max Clark in his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry, right, talks to infielder Jace Jung after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers prospect Gabriel Reyes, left, talks to outfielder Wenceel Pérez during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith practices at first base during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers fist-bumps staff Michael Wettstein after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers catcher Josue Briceño practices at first base during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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In 2024, he was having a good season – really making progress – and then everything changed in a blink. While making a throw from centerfield to home plate, he blew out his elbow.
“Tommy John,” he said. “It was heartbreaking at the time when I got it. I was in tears at the time when they told me, because I thought I was gonna have to miss the whole ‘25 season.”
But he didn’t. He worked his butt off and didn’t miss a game in 2025.
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Cruz started out at Double-A Erie and crushed the ball, hitting .275 with 7 home runs, 54 walks and 66 strikeouts in 69 games.
So, he got moved up to Triple-A Toledo and raked again, hitting .284 with six home runs, 48 walks and 55 strikeouts in 58 games for the Mud Hens.
“Props to the organization for still believing in me, giving me a chance,” he said.
Learning to be versatile
Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz bats at practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
Obviously, there are some advantages, coming from an MLB family.
And his father gave him some smart advice. “My dad had always told me to play infield for as long as I can,” Cruz said. “Because you can always go to the outfield.”
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He was drafted as a shortstop. But a few years ago, someone from the Tigers organization said: Hey, have you thought about playing center field?
“I said, ‘Yeah, I mean, I come from an outfield family,’” Cruz said. “I’m the only infielder actually in my family, so I always keep up with it.”
THE BIG PICTURE: Tigers are further away from their goals than ever – and that’s great
So, he started playing outfield for the Tigers.
Which makes him incredibly valuable.
There just aren’t that many switch-hitting shortstops who can play center.
“The defensive versatility is so valuable,” Hinch said. “We’ve asked him to be ready for anything except for catcher and first base this spring. Being added to the 40-man is a big deal. He’s one step closer. He literally could be the answer for anything, if he’s the right guy, because of the fact he can fill in anywhere.”
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Cruz was asked to play in the WBC for Team Canada – he was born in Toronto when his father was playing for the Blue Jays – but he declined.
“It was important to stay here,” he said. “I want to make the Opening Day roster, and I want to find a way to help the team win. I think by staying here that I am showing these guys that I can play different positions, and showing that I’m committed to the team and I’m willing to do whatever.”
He wants to be so versatile – so dang valuable that the Tigers are forced to take him to Detroit.
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“I don’t want them to give them a reason” not to, he said. “I want to be a Swiss Army knife, be the guy that A.J. can put in any situation at any moment.”
He just wants to get to the big leagues.
Like his father, not to mention his father’s father.
Contact Jeff Seidel at jseidel@freepress.com or follow him @seideljeff.
Listen to our weekly Tigers show “Days of Roar” every Monday afternoon during the season and Tuesday afternoon during the offseason on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Few Detroit Tigers can match the versatility of Trei Cruz