The Tigers have reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, only to fall in the ALDS. They’re the only team in the division projected to have a top ten payroll, and the expectations are for them to make a serious run at their first pennant since 2012. Not only are they spending money, but they have one of the top farm systems in baseball, with two prospects expected to make a big impact this year – Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark.
Detroit Tigers
2025 record: 87-75
2026 PECOTA projection: 83-79
2026 ZIPS projection: 86-76
Manager: A.J. Hinch
Key additions: Drew Anderson, Kenley Jansen, Austin Slater, Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander
Key losses: Justyn-Henry Malloy, Andy Ibáñez, Tommy Kahnle, Alex Lange, Chase Lee, Rafael Montero, Chris Paddack, Paul Sewald
Offense
Baseball America ranks Kevin McGonigle the second-best prospect in baseball after he hit .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs in 88 games across three levels of baseball last year. Riley Greene enjoyed his first 30+ home run season and won a Silver Slugger award, but he also led the league with 201 strikeouts. Gleyber Torres accepted a Qualifying Offer and will return to the Tigers after posting a career-high .358 on-base percentage. Catcher Dillon Dingler won his first Gold Glove Award last year.
Zack McKinstry will likely serve as a utility player and depth at shortstop if McGonigle isn’t ready for the big leagues. Outfielders Wenceel Pérez and Austin Slater could also contribute, and the Tigers are expected to call up top prospect Max Clark at some point this summer. The Tigers were eleventh in runs scored last year, but dead last in stolen bases.
All statistics from 2025.
Pitching
There were rumors the Tigers might trade the best pitcher in baseball, Tarik Skubal, but it looks like he will begin the season in Detroit. Joining him in the rotation is free agent Framber Valdez, a two-time All-Star who is fifth among all starting pitchers in fWAR from 2022-2025. Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander returns for his 21st season, reuniting with the team he pitched for from 2005 to 2017. The Tigers are also hoping to get Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton back from injury by the end of the season, but Reese Olson is expected to miss the entire season following shoulder surgery.
Kenley Jansen brings his 476 career saves to the Tigers bullpen after finishing strong last year with a 1.48 ERA after the break. Drew Anderson returns to the States after stints in Japan and Korea. The Tigers re-signed Kyle Finnegan after he posted a 1.50 ERA in 16 games following a trade from the Nationals at the deadline last summer. Will Vest had a 58 percent groundball rate last year, ninth-highest among relievers.
All statistics from 2025. *-denotes numbers in Korea.
The Tigers are being picked by many to win the division, but there are concerns with this roster. The top hitters aren’t that proven and have a high strikeout approach that could subject them to regression. Verlander and Jansen are clearly in their twilight years. It is not unthinkable that Skubal is traded this summer. Still, they are a team to be reckoned with, and the Royals will have to do better than winning 4 of 13 from them as they did last year.
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