DETROIT — The offseason is officially here.
As the New York Yankees celebrated their victory over the Cleveland Guardians to claim the American League pennant, the Tigers and their fans are at home, savoring the last warm days and pondering what it will take to return to postseason play.
We have several weeks and months ahead to debate, speculate, and brainstorm inventive ideas, crafting hypothetical rosters in our minds, only to see the team take an entirely different direction.
To initiate this annual tradition before the hot stove heats up, we turned to questions from our readers.
Considering that the payroll is noticeably lower than that of most other teams, there’s a common belief that the Tigers should go on a spending spree. But we know that approach may not be wise. If the Tigers were to make an immediate investment, what do you think it would be? — Jay T.
Scott Harris has been clear about the Tigers’ need for a right-handed bat. While he didn’t specify how they might acquire such a player or which position he’d prefer, it’s evident that the Tigers could benefit from upgrades at the corner infield spots. For instance, their first basemen combined for only a .651 OPS, while the league average for first basemen stands at .729, the highest among all positions. Spencer Torkelson’s situation adds complexity to this conversation, but the team needs to secure a veteran player in that area; there is plenty of offensive talent available at first base, making it difficult to justify inaction.
It remains to be seen whether the Tigers will commit to multiyear free-agent contracts for players like Alex Bregman (a third baseman), Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander, or Christian Walker. We will discuss alternative options below. However, if the objective is to make another postseason appearance next year and potentially pose a legitimate threat to advance further, investing in talent for the corner infield certainly seems sensible to me.
What should the Tigers’ strategy be regarding free-agent relievers this winter? — Scott R.
This has been a recurring point of emphasis for me. The Tigers must secure at least one reliable reliever with a track record of generating swing-and-miss results and high strikeout rates.
While the Tigers’ bullpen performed admirably for much of the season, its strikeout rate of 21.8 percent ranked 24th in MLB. Opponents posted a .262 BABIP against Detroit’s bullpen, which was significantly below average, marking the third-lowest figure among all teams.
Throwing first-pitch strikes, generating ground balls, and creating weak contact are all excellent tactics, and the Tigers excelled in these areas during the latter half of the season. However, without effective strikeouts, one remains vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of baseball. Therefore, prioritizing the addition of more prototypical modern pitchers—those with high velocity, high spin rates, and devastating breaking pitches—is essential.
A thought-provoking question to consider: Who possessed the most effective breaking pitch in the Tigers’ bullpen this season? According to run values, Jason Foley’s slider stands out, but even that pitch recorded a whiff rate of 32.4 percent, just below the MLB average of 33.7 percent for sliders.
I believe the team needs at least one reliable reliever on an MLB contract, plus possibly another flyer or two. Tanner Scott, Paul Sewald, Kirby Yates, David Robertson, Carlos Estévez, and Jeff Hoffman are a few of the more recognizable free-agent names that fit various roles, and many other options are available.
Cody, can you provide an estimate for potential contracts for free agents who would address the Tigers’ needs? I think it would be more beneficial to understand the types of deals likely rather than worrying about their spending as a fundamental issue. Who would be comparable to Bregman, Walker, Burnes, etc.? — Robert J.
I appreciate the way you framed this question.
Matt Chapman signed a six-year, $151 million contract at age 31. Alex Bregman enters free agency just prior to his age-31 season, so the Chapman deal serves as an ideal benchmark. Bregman might secure a slightly higher amount if multiple teams compete for him. I’d estimate a six- or seven-year deal valued between $160 to $200 million.
I doubt the Tigers will pursue Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or other high-salaried pitchers. However, Aaron Nola’s seven-year, $172 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last year provides a solid comparison for Burnes.
Christian Walker poses more of a challenge as he approaches his age-34 season. His WAR totals over the past three years—4.0, 3.8, and 3.0, according to FanGraphs—suggest he can still command a healthy average annual value (AAV). The length of the contract is uncertain, but a two- or three-year deal with a team option or vesting option might be appropriate. I would project him for around three years and $66 million.
While I could continue discussing additional players, I’m aware that this response is becoming lengthy. Stay tuned for more comprehensive contract projections from The Athletic in the coming weeks.
Who are some pitchers similar to Lorenzen or Flaherty that Harris may pursue this offseason? — Nick M.
It seems that nobody was really connecting the Tigers to Michael Lorenzen or Jack Flaherty in previous offseasons until the negotiations were nearly complete. This serves as a reminder that teams have significantly more information about these players than we do.
On the surface, however, I can see the Tigers being interested in names like Walker Buehler (are we certain he’ll be an affordable option?), Andrew Heaney, and Luis Severino. These are pitchers with impressive potential, varying levels of success, and still room for growth.
Andrew Heaney has a 4.00 ERA since 2022. (Kiyoshi Mio / Imagn Images)
We have a general idea of the players available in free agency, but which names should the Tigers consider in the trade market? — Jacob S.
The potential options are endless. Brent Rooker from the Oakland Athletics has emerged as a noteworthy candidate. Other possibilities include Ryan Mountcastle or Taylor Ward. It’s intriguing to envision a scenario where the Tigers take a bold step and trade significant prospect capital for Devin Williams.
However, the name that consistently stands out to me is Yandy Díaz of the Tampa Bay Rays. Díaz is set to earn $10 million next season, with a $12 million club option for 2026. He was mentioned in trade discussions over the summer. Primarily a first baseman, he also has experience at third base. Díaz possesses impressive bat-to-ball skills and a strong on-base percentage. This year, he recorded a .924 OPS against left-handed pitchers and has showcased near-elite exit velocities for the past three seasons.
Many free-agent first base options come with either hefty price tags (like Walker and Alonso) or concerns about aging (such as Carlos Santana). While trading with the Rays always carries certain risks, Díaz certainly meets a lot of the Tigers’ needs.
The primary downside is his defense. His days playing third base are largely behind him, and although he performs better at first, he has ranked below average defensively in each of the last two seasons.
What lessons can the Tigers learn from teams that achieved postseason success but then failed to make the playoffs the following year, similar to the 2023 Rangers and Diamondbacks? — Kit C.
A key takeaway from these teams is straightforward: nothing is guaranteed. The Arizona Diamondbacks faced a severely injured and inconsistent pitching staff. Even a young talent like Corbin Carroll can experience fluctuations in performance.
The Texas Rangers won the World Series thanks to their star players, but they also relied on contributions from players like Jonah Heim, Nathaniel Lowe, and Leody Taveras. All these players (along with Adolis García) saw significant regression in 2024. This serves as a reminder that despite the impressive showings from Matt Vierling, Parker Meadows, and Wenceel Pérez, there’s no assurance they will maintain or improve upon their performance in 2025. This uncertainty emphasizes the need for the Tigers to enhance their lineup.
I believe I heard on your podcast that the killer Js wouldn’t make it to the MLB roster this year, yet there they were. With that in mind, do you think Max (Clark) or (Kevin) McGonigle will receive a call-up next year? — Brian M.
There was certainly a time this summer when I doubted we would see Jackson Jobe or Jace Jung in the big leagues. I stand corrected on that front. Perhaps I’m mistaken again, but I find it highly unlikely that either Clark or McGonigle will reach the majors in 2025.
The primary reason is that both are high school graduates who have just completed their first full seasons in professional baseball. They are likely to face a degree of growing pains in the upper levels next season. Even if they don’t … remember how proficient Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson were in Double A. Both had much to learn before advancing to the big leagues. Hitting is often more challenging than pitching, and it would require exceptional seasons from either Clark or McGonigle to enter that conversation.
(Image above features Scott Harris and Chris Ilitch: Junfu Han / USA Today Network)
Offseason Outlook: What the Tigers Need to Reach Postseason Aspirations
Understanding the Tigers’ Current Landscape
The Detroit Tigers are at a pivotal point in their rebuilding process, and as they look toward the future, understanding their current landscape is crucial to map out a successful path to postseason aspirations. The 2023 MLB season saw the Tigers struggle, but with the right offseason moves, they can significantly improve their chances for the upcoming season.
2023 Season Recap
In the 2023 season, the Tigers faced numerous challenges, including injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of offensive firepower. Key players had subpar seasons, which contributed to the team’s inability to compete effectively in the AL Central. To pave the way for postseason success, the front office must carefully evaluate the roster and identify areas for improvement.
Key Areas of Improvement
1. Strengthening the Pitching Rotation
One of the most critical components for any team aspiring to reach the postseason is a strong pitching rotation. The Tigers must focus on both starting and bullpen pitching to ensure they can compete in the AL.
- Acquire a Top-Line Starter: Targeting a marquee free-agent pitcher or exploring trades for established talent can bolster the rotation.
- Develop Young Talent: Investing in player development can help nurture young arms within the organization.
- Enhance Bullpen Depth: A reliable bullpen is essential; consider adding versatile relievers who can handle high-pressure situations.
2. Improving Offensive Production
The Tigers’ offense struggled significantly in 2023, ranking near the bottom in several key statistical categories. To address this issue, the Tigers should:
- Sign a Power Bat: The addition of a player with significant home run potential could transform the lineup.
- Focus on On-Base Percentage: Emphasizing players who can get on base will help to create scoring opportunities.
- Develop Young Hitters: Investing in the development of prospects like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson will be key to long-term success.
3. Bolstering the Infield and Outfield Defense
Defense often goes overlooked, but a solid defensive team can save runs and influence game outcomes. The Tigers must look for ways to improve their defensive metrics.
- Target Defensive Specialists: Bringing in players known for their defensive capabilities can enhance infield and outfield performance.
- Utilize Analytics: Leverage advanced metrics to identify defensive weaknesses and improve positioning.
- Prioritize Versatility: Acquiring versatile players who can cover multiple positions adds depth and reliability.
Potential Offseason Moves
Free Agency Targets
Below is a table of potential free-agent targets that could help the Tigers improve their roster:
| Player | Position | 2023 Stats | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Bellinger | OF | .307 AVG, 26 HR, 97 RBIs | $18M/year |
| Chris Bassitt | SP | 3.42 ERA, 190 K | $16M/year |
| Josh Hader | RP | 1.25 ERA, 39 SV | $20M/year |
Trade Opportunities
Alongside free agency, exploring trades can also help the Tigers enhance their roster significantly. Some players to consider in potential trades include:
- Starling Marte (NY Mets): A seasoned outfielder who could add speed and leadership.
- Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Guardians): An all-around player who can elevate the lineup.
- Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians): An ace pitcher who can anchor the rotation.
Benefits of Strategic Offseason Planning
Implementing a well-thought-out offseason plan offers numerous benefits for the Tigers:
- Increased Competitiveness: Enhancing the roster can lead to more wins and a chance at postseason play.
- Fan Engagement: Bringing in exciting players can boost attendance and fan morale.
- Long-Term Success: Building a strong foundation creates a sustainable model for future seasons.
Practical Tips for the Front Office
The Tigers’ front office should consider the following practical tips during the offseason:
- Utilize Data Analytics: Make data-driven decisions regarding player performance and potential trades.
- Engage with Fans: Maintain open communication with the fanbase to gauge their interests and expectations.
- Focus on Scouting: Invest in scouting to identify hidden gems in the minor leagues or overseas.
First-Hand Experiences from Recent Teams
Looking at successful teams can provide insights into effective strategies. For instance:
- The Atlanta Braves, after their rebuild, targeted impactful free agents and promoted young talent, leading to their postseason triumph in 2021.
- The San Diego Padres transformed their roster through aggressive trades and smart free-agent signings, culminating in their playoff runs in recent years.
Final Thoughts on Tigers’ Postseason Aspirations
As the Detroit Tigers head into the offseason, their ability to make strategic moves will determine their chances of postseason success. By focusing on strengthening their pitching, enhancing offensive production, and improving defensive play, the Tigers can build a competitive roster that excites fans and elevates the franchise. With the right mix of free-agent signings, trades, and player development, the Tigers can look forward to a promising future in Major League Baseball.
