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His father, Jos\u00e9 Cruz Jr<\/a>., was a Gold Glove-winning outfielder who played for nine teams over 12 seasons. His grandfather\u00a0Jos\u00e9 Cruz<\/a>\u00a0was a two-time All-Star outfielder who played for three teams over 19 seasons.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople always ask me about pressure but, honestly, I don’t feel it,\u201d Trei Cruz said. \u201cI’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.\u201d<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n FAMILY AFFAIR: Detroit Tigers prospect Trei Cruz leans on dad, grandpa to add to family’s baseball legacy<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cI had a lot of emotions,\u201d Cruz said.<\/p>\n So, Cruz, 27, asked the big question. \u201cHow can I make the big-league roster?\u201d Cruz said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said, \u2018Continue to do what you’re doing,\u2019\u201d Cruz said. \u201c\u2018You had a great \u201825 season. There’s nothing to change. Continue to be versatile.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.<\/p>\n PROSPECT WATCH: Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark will get their chances to shine this spring<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n But nothing about the journey has been easy.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I’ve seen from Trei through the years has just been resilience,\u201d Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Or as Cruz said: \u201cIt\u2019s been a grind.\u201d<\/p>\n Overcoming so many obstacles<\/p>\n In 2021, Cruz dislocated his right shoulder on his first professional hit<\/p>\n \u201cThen proceeded to get COVID after that, then got mono after that,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, my first year was rough.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n When he finally got healthy, he started climbing through the Tigers system.<\/p>\n Then, ugh, more trouble.<\/p>\n 1 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 1 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 2 \/ 83<\/p>\n Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 3 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 4 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 5 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 6 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier B\u00e1ez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 7 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 8 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 9 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 10 \/ 83<\/p>\n Up close with Max Clark in his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 11 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 12 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder John Peck practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 13 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 14 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 15 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 16 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo smiles at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 17 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 18 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 19 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 20 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 21 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers outfielder Ben Malgeri practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 22 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 23 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier B\u00e1ez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 24 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 25 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 26 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 27 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 28 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Framber Valdez at his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 29 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 30 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 31 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 32 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 33 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 34 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 35 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Ty Madden practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 36 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Tanner Rainey practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 37 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Konnor Pilkington practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 38 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 39 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 40 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 41 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 42 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 43 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee\u2019s baseball bat during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 44 \/ 83<\/p>\n Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle watches live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 45 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers catching coach Ryan Sienko watches practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 46 \/ 83<\/p>\n Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 47 \/ 83<\/p>\n Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 48 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 49 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 50 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 51 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 52 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Dylan Smith throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 53 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 54 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Sean Guenther throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 55 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Sean Guenther throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 56 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch watches practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 57 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 58 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers hitting coach Michael Brdar watches live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 59 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 60 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 61 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 62 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter, left, talks to catcher Tom\u00e1s Nido after throwing at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 63 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 64 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske throws at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 65 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 66 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 67 \/ 83<\/p>\n Up close with Max Clark in his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 68 \/ 83<\/p>\n Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 69 \/ 83<\/p>\n Up close with Max Clark in his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark bats at live batting practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 70 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 71 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 72 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers outfielder Trei Cruz practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 73 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers prospect Gabriel Reyes, left, talks to outfielder Wenceel P\u00e9rez during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 74 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith practices at first base during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 75 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 76 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 77 \/ 83<\/p>\n See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 78 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers catcher Josue Brice\u00f1o practices at first base during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 79 \/ 83<\/p>\n Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 80 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 81 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 82 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jung practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n 83 \/ 83<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers position players jump into action in spring training<\/p>\n Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier B\u00e1ez practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.<\/p>\n More: Justin Verlander is Tigers’ huge statement: Let’s win World Series<\/a><\/p>\n In 2024, he was having a good season \u2013 really making progress \u2013 and then everything changed in a blink. While making a throw from centerfield to home plate, he blew out his elbow.<\/p>\n \u201cTommy John,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIt 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 \u201825 season.\u201d<\/p>\n But he didn\u2019t. He worked his butt off and didn\u2019t miss a game in 2025.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cProps to the organization for still believing in me, giving me a chance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Obviously, there are some advantages, coming from an MLB family.<\/p>\n And his father gave him some smart advice. \u201cMy dad had always told me to play infield for as long as I can,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cBecause you can always go to the outfield.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n \u201cI said, \u2018Yeah, I mean, I come from an outfield family,\u2019\u201d Cruz said. \u201cI’m the only infielder actually in my family, so I always keep up with it.\u201d<\/p>\n THE BIG PICTURE: Tigers are further away from their goals than ever \u2013 and that’s great<\/a><\/p>\n So, he started playing outfield for the Tigers.<\/p>\n Which makes him incredibly valuable.<\/p>\n There just aren\u2019t that many switch-hitting shortstops who can play center.<\/p>\n \u201cThe defensive versatility is so valuable,\u201d Hinch said. \u201cWe’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.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Cruz was asked to play in the WBC for Team Canada<\/a> \u2013 he was born in Toronto when his father was playing for the Blue Jays \u2013 but he declined.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was important to stay here,\u201d he said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n He wants to be so versatile \u2013 so dang valuable that the Tigers are forced to take him to Detroit.<\/p>\n GIBBY’S NEW TEAM: Kirk Gibson’s legacy grows bigger and stronger every day<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want them to give them a reason\u201d not to, he said. \u201cI want to be a Swiss Army knife, be the guy that A.J. can put in any situation at any moment.\u201d<\/p>\n He just wants to get to the big leagues.<\/p>\n Like his father, not to mention his father\u2019s father.<\/p>\n Contact Jeff Seidel at\u00a0jseidel@freepress.com<\/a>\u00a0or follow him\u00a0@seideljeff<\/a>.<\/p>\n Listen to our weekly Tigers show\u00a0“Days of Roar”<\/a>\u00a0every Monday afternoon during the season and Tuesday afternoon during the offseason on\u00a0Apple<\/a>,\u00a0Spotify<\/a>\u00a0or wherever you listen to podcasts.<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Few Detroit Tigers can match the versatility of Trei Cruz<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Detroit](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3a0c0701dcfc4dd49c5fb290c88a1076.jpeg\"\/)
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