Tigers add another infielder in Tsung-Che Cheng
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly making another move to add organizational depth, acquiring infielder Tsung-Che Cheng from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The transaction, reported Thursday evening, Oct. 29, gives Detroit another versatile infielder with major league experience as the organization begins preparing its roster for the 2027 season.
Cheng's background provides an interesting look at the type of player Detroit is acquiring. The 25-year-old native of Taiwan spent parts of the 2026 season with Boston and Triple-A Worcester after a rather unusual journey through several organizations over the previous year.
Originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent in 2019 for $380,000, Cheng developed into one of the organization's better defensive infield prospects. He ranked as Pittsburgh's No. 9 prospect entering 2024 according to MLB Pipeline's rankings referenced in its subsequent coverage, earning recognition for his speed, defensive versatility and ability to control the strike zone.
However, Cheng's offensive production has been inconsistent as he has advanced through the minor leagues.
After struggling with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2025, Cheng bounced back somewhat with Worcester in 2026, hitting .241/.345/.390 with eight home runs, 30 RBIs and 10 stolen bases across 295 at-bats. His .735 OPS represented an improvement over the previous season, although his profile remains centered more on defensive ability and on-base skills than power production.
Cheng also appeared in the majors with Boston during the summer, hitting .256 with a .318 on-base percentage and .282 slugging percentage across 39 at-bats. He finished with 10 hits, five RBIs and no home runs, producing a 73 OPS+ in a limited sample. What makes Cheng particularly interesting is his positional versatility.
During the 2026 Triple-A season, he appeared in 56 games at shortstop, 36 at second base and two at third. He committed no errors in 304 innings at second base, while posting a .971 fielding percentage at shortstop. Those numbers don't provide a complete picture of his defensive ability, but they reinforce the reputation he developed as a capable defender who can handle multiple positions.
Baseball America previously rated Cheng as the Pirates' best defensive infielder and credited him with the best strike-zone discipline in the organization heading into 2025. That fits the Scott Harris narrative of having players who control the strike zone.
His patience has been a recurring strength throughout his professional career. Across 2,046 minor league at-bats, Cheng owns a .250 average and .349 on-base percentage with 43 home runs and 122 stolen bases. While there is little evidence that he will develop into a significant power threat, his ability to draw walks and provide speed gives him some useful offensive characteristics.
After Pittsburgh designated him for assignment in December 2025, he was claimed on waivers by Tampa Bay in January. The New York Mets subsequently claimed him, followed by Washington, before Boston acquired him in February. Despite the considerable movement, Cheng remained on the Red Sox roster throughout the 2026 season and received opportunities at both Triple-A and the major league level.
For Detroit, this appears to be a low-cost acquisition intended to improve its infield depth rather than immediately challenge for an everyday starting position.
The Tigers have several young infielders who could factor into their 2027 plans, including Kevin McGonigle, Hao-Yu Lee and John Peck. Colt Keith also gives manager A.J. Hinch additional flexibility around the diamond, making it difficult to envision Cheng entering spring training with a guaranteed major league role.
However, having another experienced shortstop available could prove useful, particularly if Detroit needs injury coverage or a defensive replacement during the season.
Cheng's minor league experience and ability to handle three infield positions could make him an option for Triple-A Toledo, provided the Tigers can accommodate him within their roster structure. His option status will be important to clarify once the transaction becomes official, especially after spending portions of three seasons on optional assignment.
The Tigers must also account for Cheng's addition to their 40-man roster, which could require a corresponding move depending on the club's available space. There is no indication that this acquisition represents a change in Detroit's broader offseason plans. Rather, it fits the profile of an organization looking to acquire experienced depth without surrendering prospects or making a significant financial commitment.
Cheng has enough defensive ability and plate discipline to remain an interesting player, although his limited offensive production makes it difficult to project him as anything more than a utility infielder at this stage. For the Tigers, the potential upside is straightforward. They acquire a 25-year-old who can play multiple infield positions, has already reached the major leagues and has shown some offensive improvement at Triple-A.
Whether Cheng becomes a contributor in Detroit or spends most of 2027 with Toledo will ultimately depend on his bat and the opportunities available in the Tigers' increasingly crowded infield.
