Early 2026 MLB trade candidate: Tigers prospect Max Anderson caught in 2B glut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Detroit Tigers prospect Max Anderson is having a difficult time standing out.
Drafted as a second baseman in 2023, Anderson added third and first base to his minor-league resume. The Tigers' organization values infield versatility, but with major leaguers like Gleyber Torres, Colt Keith, rookie Kevin McGonigle and Zach McKinstry in his way, Anderson could be considered a top trade candidate, according to ESPN.
The Tigers' 26-man roster appears to have few holes. Their second-base coverage is a bit crowded, with no fewer than four players able to play the position. At Triple-A Toledo, Anderson was joined by Gage Workman, Jace Jung and Hao-Yu Lee, who is currently on call with the Tigers, capable of playing several infield spots.
Anderson, who is on the seven-day injured list with a left quad strain, appeared in four games with the Mud Hens, collecting five hits in 16 at-bats. The former second-round draft pick out of Nebraska compiled a .282 batting average in 1,155 minor-league at-bats. Rapidly advancing through the farm system, Anderson collected 32 home runs and 188 RBI with four teams.
The Tigers wanted Anderson to experience the Arizona Fall League last winter, collecting 21 hits in 47 at-bats for Scottsdale. Prospects in the Tigers' system are on the move. Former first-round shortstops Bryce Rainer advanced to high Single-A West Michigan, while Jordan Yost received a Lakeland summons.
Organizational depth remains a front-office goal for all MLB teams, but with the bevy of infielders in the Tigers' system, Anderson could be made available.
Could the Tigers net a teenage pitching prospect for the seasoned offensive threat with questionable infield instincts?