Justyn-Henry Malloy DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Detroit Tigers optioned outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy and left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin to Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. Even with both Parker Meadows (arm) and Wenceel Perez (back) starting on the injured list, Malloy didn't survive final cuts out of camp despite hitting .314/.397/.373 with three doubles, six RBI and a stolen base in 21 Grapefruit League games this spring. Although the 25-year-old still has some power potential, he'll begin in the minors in 2025 and will merely be a bench bat for the Tigers whenever he returns to the majors. Chafin, 34, surprisingly won't open in Detroit's bullpen, even after Jason Foley was optioned to the minors. The veteran southpaw has 11 years of big-league experience, but he allowed eight earned runs while walking six and fanning nine in his six Grapefruit League innings in spring training.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy left one final positive impression in Tuesday's 4-3 exhibition loss to the Giants, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run. The 25-year-old clubbed a Jordan Hicks breaking ball over the center-field wall for his first long ball of the spring. Malloy ended the spring with a strong .309 batting average, five walks, and 12 strikeouts in 55 at-bats. He was not as impressive in his first big-league season in 2024, slashing .203/.291/.366 with eight HR and 21 RBI in 230 plate appearances. He is still competing for one of the final Opening Day roster spots for the Tigers. Even if he were to make the team, fantasy managers may want to see if he can carry his spring success into the regular season before trusting him.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy could be in a good position to make the Opening Day roster. With Parker Meadows (biceps) sidelined, the Tigers could turn to Malloy to fill the open spot. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reported that the Tigers could opt to have Malloy split time at first base with Spencer Torkelson or have Malloy serve as a designated hitter. Malloy could also provide depth in left field, which would move Riley Green to right field. Last season, the 25-year-old made 43 starts in the outfield in Detroit and 12 as a DH. Across his first 71 games in the majors, the Georgia Tech product posted a .203/.291/.366 slash line with eight home runs and one stolen base. He drew walks at a strong 10.0 percent rate but generated a weak .179 xBA. If he breaks the Opening Day roster, he will have value as a depth option in AL-only formats.