Justyn-Henry Malloy made his long-awaited debut in June of 2024. Throughout his stint in his rookie season he showed the potential to drive the ball, take walks and lay off pitches outside of the zone. His biggest struggle being a bloated strikeout rate. He would be sent back down to Toledo in August, but that trip would be temporary, as he was recalled back to Detroit when the rosters were expanded. Malloy went on to have an impressive Postseason, going 5 for 8 with two walks.

In the offseason it would be announced by Scott Harris that Malloy would be taking reps at first base during Spring Training, putting him directly in line of competition with former #1 draft pick Spencer Torkelson for the DH and 1st base reserve role. Malloy would take the transition in stride playing serviceable first base, as well his normal position in corner outfield. Malloy would couple his defensive efforts with a strong Spring at the plate, finishing with one home-run and 7 RBI’s, and a slash-line of .309/.387/.418/.805. Despite making key adjustments to limit his whiffs and hit more line-drives, the Tigers would elect to emphasize defensive versatility over his bat, and sign Manuel Margot as the last corner outfielder.

Malloy would waste no time getting to work, and proving he was destined to be back in Detroit. In just 11 at-bats over the weekend, he would reach base 7 times including a massive shot on Opening Day, that landed 443 feet from home plate. On March 31st, the Tigers announced that second basemen Gleyber Torres would be added to the Injured list, retroactive to March 29th, when the lower oblique strain occurred. The corresponding move would be recalling Malloy back to the Majors.

Justyn Henry Malloy just hit a ball 443 feet for AAA Toledo 💣 pic.twitter.com/Ky6Kb8aYqT

— Tigers Torkmoil (@bythewaybro) March 28, 2025

Malloy made his 2025 regular season debut batting leadoff against the Seattle Mariners. He was an integral part in sparking a 6 run rally that ran Starting Pitcher Emerson Hancock out of the game without completing a full inning of work. Malloy’s ability to hit for power while getting on base at the top of the lineup should make it difficult for the Tigers to send him back down, even as players start to get healthy. The move to have him sent down in the first place was a controversial one to begin with, and they’d be hard pressed to make that decision twice. He will most likely DH most nights as Torkelson will take back his duties at first, with Colt Keith shifting back to second while Torres is out.