Boyd appears to be the early leader for the Tigers' No. 5 starter job, but he'll have to fend off some veteran challengers in spring training, The Detroit News reports.
Boyd had an up-and-down 2016 season, which isn't uncommon for young pitchers, and finished with a 6-5 record to go along with a 4.53 ERA. The Tigers like how he finished the year, however, and he seems to have the early edge on veterans Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey for the final rotation spot. All three figure to get opportunities to prove themselves in spring training.