Detroit Tigers: A Team on the Rise
It seems that the Detroit Tigers have finally emerged from the depths of their long and arduous rebuild, and just in time. The Tigers were the biggest surprise in baseball this past season, going from sellers at the trade deadline to upsetting powerhouse Houston in the postseason.
Despite having a flawed roster with various weaknesses, the Tigers managed to defy the odds and become the Cinderella team of 2024. With a combination of determined players, some luck, and a steady hand in manager AJ Hinch, Detroit found a way to rise to the occasion. Now, as the offseason approaches, the Tigers have a golden opportunity to capitalize on their success and return to dominance in the AL Central.
Detroit has quietly cultivated a group of talented players at the major league level, including stars like Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter. Greene, a rising star, earned his first All-Star nod last season and has become a mainstay in the Tigers’ lineup. Carpenter, a solid left-handed hitter, showcased his skills with an impressive .932 OPS and 18 homers, proving his worth in the postseason.
But the standout performer for the Tigers’ resurgence is none other than Tarik Skubal, the 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner. Skubal, who overcame a major injury in 2023, transformed into one of the best pitchers in baseball last season, solidifying his status as a top MLB starter.
While there were speculations about trading Skubal during his stellar season, the decision to retain the young ace proved to be a turning point for Detroit. As Skubal continued to dominate on the mound, the Tigers continued their winning ways.
Following their unexpected success in 2024, the Tigers still have a youthful and inexperienced roster. Their focus this offseason should be on elevating their potential while supporting their core players for continued growth.
Offensively, the Tigers heavily leaned on left-handed hitters last season and could benefit from adding some right-handed power to their lineup. One intriguing option is veteran third baseman Alex Bregman, who brings both experience and postseason success to a young team in need of a boost. Additionally, addressing the roles of Javier Báez and Spencer Torkelson will be crucial for Detroit’s offensive strategy moving forward.
On the pitching front, the Tigers could use some veteran arms to bolster their rotation behind Skubal. Adding experienced starters like Walker Buehler and Sean Manaea could provide the necessary depth and leadership for a successful postseason run.
With the AL Central proving to be a competitive division, the Tigers have the advantage of financial flexibility to make key moves in free agency or trades. President of baseball operations Scott Harris has been strategic in his roster-building approach, and a few strategic additions this offseason could pave the way for Detroit to make a return to the postseason in consecutive years.