Once worried for his roster spot, Zach McKinstry is now central to the Tigers' mission

MINNEAPOLIS Last summer, the trade deadline had passed and roster moves were flying.

The Detroit Tigers were shipping players out and bringing new ones in.

The Tigers acquired Zach McKinstry before the 2023 season because they believed in his left-handed bat.

They valued his ability to play all over the diamond.

His mere presence on the roster was integral to manager A.J.

Hinchs nightly chess matches.

Advertisement But McKinstrys time with the Tigers was a grind.

He entered August of last season hitting .177.

As young infielders like Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney got promoted to the big leagues, you couldnt blame anyone who assumed McKinstrys time with the team was near its end.

That list of doubters, to some degree, might have included McKinstry himself.

I think its important to try to see ahead of things, maybe some landmines mentally or physically that guys can run into, Hinch said.

Getting to know Z-Mac, he doesnt say much.

Hes gonna do whatever hes told.

Hes gonna put in the work.

But he also is a man without a defined role.

Thats why Hinch called McKinstry into his office last summer, sat him down and leveled with him.

Even though the roster was turning over, Hinch had an important message.

McKinstry would not be going anywhere.

He was like, Hey, I know were gonna make some moves here.

Your job is secure, McKinstry recalls.

You play defense so well.

Thats why we value you.

Whatever you do at the plate is just extra credit.

Just keep doing it.' All these months later, standing in the visiting clubhouse at Target Field, McKinstry pointed to the back of his head.

The lingering worries in his mind were eased.

That conversation just gave me so much peace, he said.

It may be no coincidence that McKinstry soon went on the best stretch of his major-league career.

The player previously traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs went on to hit .368 with a .955 OPS in August.

The 33rd-round pick out of Central Michigan was slicing doubles down the lines, sliding into bags, making plays and coming up with his uniform dusty and browned.

The Tigers frantic run to the postseason might not have happened without him.

There were so many different young players coming and going, Hinch said, reflecting on his sitdown with McKinstry.

Sometimes I think we as coaches can take for granted that hes just gonna do his part and not create any sort of dialogue unless its absolutely necessary.

I want players to know before they start to worry or before they start to stress, so that we can get the best version of them.

Advertisement Part of McKinstrys torrid stretch also stemmed from a simple conversation with outfielder Riley Greene.

At one point, McKinstry retreated to the dugout frustrated after another puzzling at-bat.

Greene told him, It just looks like youre late.

So McKinstry made a conscious effort to pick his foot up earlier and begin his stride sooner.

The timing clicked.

The results followed.

Hes incredible, Greene said.

Works hard every day.

He does it in the infield, he does it in the outfield.

He swings it.

He does it all.

I cant say enough about him.

McKinstrys performance tapered off in September, when he hit only .140.

But even with the Tigers growth as an organization, they devoted $1.65 million to bring McKinstry back this offseason.

Hinch dispelled any doubts about McKinstrys place on the roster with more glowing quotes this spring.

The manager has had McKinstrys back at every turn.

Hes the most versatile player on the field for later decisions, Hinch said recently.

If I want to make decisions anywhere in the game, chances are I can answer the defensive question with Z-Mac.

Now, two weeks into the 2025 season, McKinstry is again serving as a tangible spark plug and an emotional catalyst.

He personifies the Tigers mix-and-match style.

McKinstry grew up watching videos of Pete Rose, aspiring to play with the same fire and ferocity of Charlie Hustle.

Hes an X-factor, catcher Dillon Dingler said.

Hes a pro.

So far in this young season, the Tigers are 9-5, and McKinstry is hitting .326.

On Friday, he delivered the biggest hit in a victory against the Twins, slapping an 0-2 changeup into the outfield for a two-run single.

A testament to his versatility, McKinstry has already appeared at third base, second base, shortstop, left field and right field.

In his career, McKinstry has played every position except for catcher and first base.

Hes even worked as the Tigers pitcher in blowout games on four occasions.

He has graded out slightly above average for his career in right field and can hold his own at any position.

Here come the Tigs pic.twitter.com/MIzDSoTHCP Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 12, 2025 My defense is like the Cadillac thats durable and sustainable, McKinstry said Saturday morning.

When a player like McKinstry begins receiving everyday at-bats, there is a risk of that player getting overexposed too many miles on the Cadillac.

But McKinstry has long yearned for a chance like this, now an early-season staple in the Tigers lineup.

He said hes focused on sleep, training and recovery, anything to keep his latest hot stretch going.

Although McKinstrys bat speed ranks in the bottom 3 percent of qualifying MLB players, he is squaring up balls, striking out at a low rate and drawing walks at a good clip.

Entering Saturday, McKinstry is hitting .298 with a 131 wRC+ since Aug.

1 of last season.

Advertisement I feel loose out there, McKinstry said.

Just having fun.

In the Tigers recent series finale against the New York Yankees, Hinch penciled McKinstry in against tough left-handed pitcher Max Fried, even though McKinstry had only a .379 OPS against lefties last season.

Part of that decision was based on the fact that Fried has reverse splits.

Part of it was the fact that Hinch expected the Yankees to lean on right-handers in their bullpen.

But part of it, too, was another vote of confidence in the do-it-all player who has become central to everything about the Tigers mission.

Right now, Hinch said, I think McKinstry against anybody would be a really good plan.

(Top photo: Junfu Han/USA Today Network).

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