The surging Detroit Tigers have restored the roar at Comerica Park, winning a staggering 12 games over their last 15 matchups. That includes a four-game sweep of the White Sox and a victory in Tuesday’s rain-delayed series opener against the Angels. Detroit’s youth movement has provided a spark that has led to a five-game winning streak. With Tuesday’s win at home, the Tigers have a record north of .500 after the all-star break for the first time since 2016, when Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Nick Castellanos, Ian Kinsler, and J.D & Victor Martinez were still playing in a Tigers uniform.
If the Tigers were to make a playoff run to close out this season, they would accomplish the unthinkable. Still, regardless of whether they get back into playoff range, the expectation next season is to play meaningful October baseball. There are a few steps the Tigers need to take this off-season to put themselves in an excellent position to compete. While they are not expected to be casting a line where the big fish are swimming this off-season, there is still a budget-friendly way for them to gear up for a postseason run. Here’s a look at the Tigers’ to-do list once this rollercoaster season comes to an end.
Step one: Get Rid of Javy Baez
Javy Baez has continued to get worse with no sign of improvement over his last three seasons with the Tigers, and we are only halfway through his contract. It’s hopeless to think after three seasons that Baez will get back to being the player he once was, and now, on top of his struggles, he will be coming off of hip surgery next season. It wouldn’t be logical to keep him around with younger players with higher upsides at that position in the organization and better options in the free agent/trade market. Detroit must find a way to escape this train wreck.
Willy Adames would be a perfect veteran addition to this lineup next season; that would be my target to pair with possibly Trey Sweeney at shortstop. Ahmed Rosario could also be a solid option this off-season if the Tigers can give Baez the boot.
Step two: Find a Bridge Starting Pitcher While Jobe Develops
If the plan behind closed doors is for Jackson Jobe to start next season at the big league level, then the Tigers may not even need to pursue a starting pitcher in free agency. However, I think Harris will sign a bridge pitcher to have a role in the rotation while Jobe gets another year to develop. I’m astonished that Jobe has yet to get called up to Triple-A Toledo, and it’s part of the reason why I believe the plan is not for Jobe to pitch on the opening-day roster.
Reuniting with Michael Lorenzen could make sense. Walker Buehler may be available for a fair price after his significant injury, and we are all aware of his potential. Justin Verlander would be a great story if Detroit could bring him back, but it seems like a reach. If none of these guys are what Scott Harris is looking for, there are still plenty of other rental options that will be on the market in free agency.
Step three: Pair Tyler Holton With Another Reliever With Some Upside
Tyler Holton has proved to be one of the best relief pitchers in baseball. He’s one that can be used in a number of different roles as well. He is capable of eating innings and capable of getting the save by shutting the door in the ninth inning. Holton will probably be the closer next season for the Tigers. The Tigers bullpen has experienced some ups and downs throughout the season. When they are rolling, they are dominant out of the pen. It gets rocky for manager AJ Hinch when they are struggling, though. I want to see another solid and consistent reliever to pair with Holton next season.
Kirby Yates, Jorge Lopez, Tanner Scott, or Hector Neris would be fantastic additions to a Tigers team desperate for a playoff berth. If the front office doesn’t want to swing that big, however, I can envision them giving Paul Sewald a shot and seeing if Chris Fetter can work his magic once again and get him back to being the player he once was.
Step four: A backup plan at 1B?
Spencer Torkelson has been very solid since his return from Toledo, and Tigers fans should still be very excited about him. However, some insurance would be nice. An ideal target for the Tigers might be a right-handed first baseman who has some upside and can share some time at DH with Kerry Carpenter on days that left-handed pitchers are on the mound. Christian Walker is the obvious perfect fit. If Tork struggles, he can slide on over to first, and if they both hit well, Walker’s primary role could be platooning with Carpenter at DH.
Rhys Hopkins is another option, and if they decide to pursue a left-handed first baseman, Josh Bell is also an upcoming free agent.
Step five: Sign an Established Impact Bat
The impact bat that Detroit could add this season may very well be Willy Adames or Christian Walker, two players we talked about earlier. Either way, Detroit needs to add an established bat to go with this young lineup in 2025.
Wrap-up:
It’s worth noting that I left out the obvious… Tarik Skubal MUST get a contract extension this off-season. Riley Greene should also get one. 2025 could be a very fun season for the Tigers, but there is still work to be done in 2024.
Detroit will look to stay above .500 tonight against the Angels at Comerica Park with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 pm.
