The Detroit Tigers Have A Big Opportunity In Front Of Them

The clock officially struck midnight on the Detroit Tigers’ improbable Cinderella postseason run. They recently bowed out in five games to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. Given it had been ten years since the franchise last went to the postseason, the low expectations, and the team being a seller at the deadline; the Tigers can go into the offseason feeling accomplished. However, they can’t be complacent and assume this team can repeat their 2024 magic. To carry their newfound momentum forward into 2025, the Detroit Tigers must have a productive offseason.

An Improbable Second Half Surge

Heading into the season, expectations weren’t very high for the Detroit Tigers and the team struggled. At the trade deadline, the team was in fourth place in the AL Central, five games under .500, and seven and a half games out of a wild card spot. Naturally, the Tigers were sellers at the trade deadline and dealt away Jack Flaherty, Mark Canha, Carson Kelly, and Andrew Chafin. Post-deadline, it was easy to think that the Motor City would be in for another lackluster season. However, the players always have the final say on what happens between the white lines.

Despite selling off at the trade deadline, the Tigers went on an improbable winning surge for the ages. The Detroit Tigers went 31-13 down the stretch and were the hottest team in baseball. Thanks in part to the Tigers’ magical stretch and the Minnesota Twins’ collapsing, Detroit was able to secure the final postseason seed. This meant that Motown would be playing October baseball for the first time since 2014.

A Magical Postseason Run

The Tigers even carried their magical run into the postseason as well. Thanks to a brilliantly crafted pitching strategy and timely hitting from Zach McKinstry, Justyn Henry-Malloy, Andy Ibanez, and Kerry Carpenter; Detroit swept the heavily favored Houston Astros on the road in the Wild Card round. Houston’s offense was held to just three total runs and only had one extra-base hit and no home runs. The Astros proven postseason performers Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, and Jeremy Pena combined to go just 7 for 35 with one RBI against Tigers pitching.

However, unfortunately for the Tigers, their improbable postseason run would come to an end in the ALDS. Despite being one win away from advancing to the ALCS, Detroit was unable to get it done. They would bow out in five games to the Cleveland Guardians. Their once-dominant postseason pitching staff was shelled by the Guardians’ offense for 19 earned runs. Tigers’ pitchers also gave up four home runs including a grand slam in game five.

Detroit Needs To Capitalize On Their New Found Momentum

Despite being eliminated from the postseason, the Detroit Tigers had a season to remember. Detroit now carries tremendous momentum and if they have a strong offseason, it could carry over into the next season. The Tigers are only carrying a payroll of $98,511,614 barring arbitration hearings. That number is bound to shrink given that several contracts are coming off Detroit’s books including Jack Flaherty, Mark Canha, Shelby Miller, Andrew Chafin, Gio Urshela, and Carson Kelly. The only other large contracts the Tigers have remaining are Javy Baez, Kenta Maeda, Colt Keith, and the retired Miguel Cabrera. Maeda and Cabrera’s contracts will be off Detroit’s payroll after next season. With all that money Detroit now has available, it’s time for owner Christopher Illich to open his purse and spend some money.

The Tigers Offense Has Some Holes

While the Tigers might need a little pitching help, the area that Detroit should focus on improving this offseason is their offense. While it had a strong second half, however, outside of Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, the Tigers’ offense left much to be desired. Detroit finished ninth in the American League only averaging 4.21 runs per game. The only teams that averaged fewer runs were the Mariners, Blue Jays, Athletics, Angels, Rays, and White Sox. Detroit particularly needs infield help as free agent bust Javy Baez continues to reach new lows, Jace Jung was uninspiring in a late-season audition, and Spencer Torkelson has yet to prove himself. Free agents like Alex Bregman, Paul Goldschmidt, Christian Walker, Willy Adames, and Amed Rosario could all fit the bill.

The Tigers Can Open A Winning Window

The Detroit Tigers need to realize just how big an opportunity they have in front of them. If the Tigers have a productive offseason, they could carry the momentum created this season into 2025. There is plenty of room for them to add payroll. With the uncertainty surrounding the Twins’ ownership, the White Sox beginning a rebuild, and the number of key free agents the Royals and Guardians are losing; Detroit can take over the AL Central. Things are currently trending upward for the Tigers, it’s up to the franchise to capitalize on their contention window opening.

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