Drafted during the pandemic-shortened season, Trei Cruz finally broke out for the Detroit Tigers in 2025.

# 9 – Trei Cruz

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Organization: Detroit Tigers

Drafted: 3rd round, 2020 (DET)

Position: Utility

Bats/Throws: Switch/Right

Cruz was born in Toronto on July 5th, 1998, while his father José Cruz Jr. played for the Toronto Blue Jays. Just like his father, Cruz attended high school in Bellaire, Texas, although he graduated from Episcopal High School while José Jr. graduated from Bellaire High School.

The similarities don’t stop there, though, as Trei was drafted by his hometown Houston Astros, but he declined and decided to attend Rice University. José Jr was drafted by the Atlanta Braves, but also committed to Rice.

José Cruz Jr. eventually went on to be drafted third overall by the Seattle Mariners, while Trei Cruz was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 37th round of the 2019 draft, then again in the third round of the 2020 draft by the Tigers.

Cruz’s first few seasons in the minor leagues were underwhelming. Over 265 plate appearances in 2021, he had an 85 wRC+ and hit below the Mendoza Line. The utility player improved in 2022, finishing with a 110 wRC+ in 497 plate appearances, but had a 101 wRC+ in 2023 and a 115 wRC+ in 2024, both seasons coming in Double-A.

Turning 26 years old midway through the 2024 season, it looked as if Cruz was destined to be a career minor leaguer, but then his 2025 season happened.

2025 season

Toward the end of the 2022 season, Cruz got a cup of tea in Double-A, before spending the entirety of the next two seasons at the level. Once again, Cruz started last season with the Erie SeaWolves, but this time he was able to slash .275/.402/.454 with seven home runs in 323 plate appearances for a 152 wRC+.

Two days after his 27th birthday, Cruz was called up to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens for the first time in his career. The utility player didn’t slow down either, slashing .284/.423/.458 with six home runs in 241 plate appearances, giving him a 149 wRC+.

At the two levels, Cruz slashed .279/.411/.456 with 13 home runs in 564 plate appearances. Those 13 home runs were the second-most of his career, while his slash line was by far the best of his career. Additionally, Cruz walked 18.1% of the time while finishing with a 21.5 K%.

In Fangraphs’ 2024 mid-season update, Cruz was given a hit tool of 30, while below average power. His saving grace was above-average speed and fielding ability.  It’s safe to say that hit tool improved last season, because not only did he draw a significant number of walks (something he has always been capable of), Cruz also hit for a high average.

And the Tigers took notice. On November 18th, the Tigers selected his contract, adding him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

Looking ahead to 2026

Unless he makes the Tigers’ roster out of Spring Training, Cruz will likely begin the 2026 season in Triple-A once again. But because he’s on the 40-man roster, it’s possible that the Tigers call up Cruz at some point next season. 

Cruz’s best attributes are his eye at the plate, defensive versatility, and speed, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a look at some point, especially if injuries occur. However, it’s paramount for Cruz to continue to hit like he did last season to put pressure on the Tigers.

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