The Major League Baseball offseason is upon us, and as the dead of winter quickly approaches, we will soon be dreaming of Spring Training.

For Detroit Tigers fans, the feeling is extremely different than it has been over the decade or so as the team is in full rebuild phase. Justin Verlander, J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton, and Ian Kinsler are among the players who are no longer wearing the Old English D, which means the 2018 Opening Day starting lineup will look much different than it did just one year ago.

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Here is what the 2017 Opening Day lineup looked like, in case you forgot.

1. Ian Kinsler (2B)
2. Nicholas Castellanos (3B)
3. Miguel Cabrera (1B)
4. Victor Martinez (DH)
5. Justin Upton (LF)
6. Mikie Mahtook (RF)
7. James McCann (C)
8. JaCoby Jones (CF)
9. Jose Iglesias (SS)

P – Justin Verlander (RHP)

Manager- Brad Ausmus

That was last year. Now let’s take a look at what I project the 2018 Opening Day lineup to look like. As you can see, there is quite the turnover.

1. Mikie Mahtook (LF)
2. Jeimer Candelario (3B)
3. Miguel Cabrera (1B)
4. Nicholas Castellanos (RF)
5. Victor Martinez (DH)
6. Leonys Martin (CF)
7. James McCann (C)
8. Dixon Machado (2B)
9. Jose Iglesias (SS)

P- Michael Fulmer (RHP)

Manager – Ron Gardenhire

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Now, I am still holding out hope that Al Avila will get rid of Victor Martinez, one way or the other but as of now, the Tigers general manager seems content with giving the veteran one more chance.

The rebuild is certainly going to take some time but it should be fun watching some of the younger guys find their groove in the Big Leagues!