By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)
The Detroit Tigers traded Justyn-Henry Malloy to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old recorded one home run, 17 RBIs, and 23 hits while batting .221 in 104 at-bats in the 2025 season with the Tigers. Malloy plays multiple positions, including third base, left field, and right field. The Rays can use him in any of those positions whenever they need his services—teams like versatile players.
Malloy got drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 6th round of the 2021 MLB Draft from Georgia Institute of Technology. He spent three seasons in college and then spent five seasons in the minors before making his MLB debut in 2024 with the Tigers.
In his first season with the Tigers, he hit a slash line of .203/.291/.366/.658 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs in 71 games before getting sent back to Triple A. He started the 2025 season in Triple A, and he made some progress, hitting .322 with 84 hits, 20 doubles, and nine home runs.
Whatever worked for Malloy in the minors, he must channel that same momentum and aggression with the Rays for the new season. The trade can go down as a steak if he works on his plate approach and discipline. His batting average needs to be more consistent, and hopefully, he can shine on defense during his tenure with the Rays.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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