Ryan Kreidler’s journey from the right-field stands at Dodger Stadium as a UCLA student to patrolling center field on Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers is nothing short of remarkable.
Back in his college days, Kreidler and his friends would take advantage of Dodger Stadium’s all-you-can-eat section, soaking in the sun while enjoying endless hot dogs and popcorn. Fast forward to 2025, and he now finds himself standing on that same field, not as a fan but as a key player in the Tigers’ lineup.
Originally a shortstop, Kreidler made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2022, filling various infield roles. But the team saw potential in his versatility and encouraged him to start taking fly balls in center field during batting practice. At the time, it was merely a way to create more opportunities at the plate, but it turned into something bigger.
When injuries hit the Tigers’ outfield this spring—Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling both going down—Kreidler was suddenly thrown into the mix. With limited space in the infield due to Javier Báez, Trey Sweeney, and Jace Jung, his transition to the outfield became a necessity.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Kreidler’s natural instincts, crediting his shortstop background for his strong defensive positioning. The extra work in Spring Training paid off, as Kreidler proved his ability to handle center field with confidence.
That belief was validated on Opening Day when Kreidler made a spectacular sliding catch at the right-center wall, robbing Tommy Edman of extra bases. Covering 103 feet, he hit the warning track at full speed but managed to secure the grab while avoiding right fielder Manuel Margot—a play that potentially saved a run for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
What started as an experiment has now turned into a real opportunity. Kreidler’s adaptability and work ethic have given him a new role, and if Opening Day is any indication, he’s ready to make the most of it.