It was a red hot second half for the Detroit Tigers in 2024. The team made a strong run down the stretch an entered the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the league. Detroit went to Houston and beat the Astros in the Wild Card round before being knocked out in the Divisional Series.

Can Detroit take the next step or was last season an admiration?

The Tigers were aggressive in the offseason to improve the roster. One piece already in place is the reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. He became the first to win the award since Justin Verlander in 2013. Skubal will likely look for an extension after the season, which means he will be as determined as ever to repeat his success from last season. The Tigers loaded up the roster with low-risk contracts, such as Jack Flaherty and Alex Cobb. There is great depth of arms with the likes of Kenta Maeda and Casey Mize, along with Reese Olson who will be in the middle of rotation.

Gleyber Torres signed a deal with the Tigers after his contract expired with the New York Yankees. Torres will take over second base with Javier Baez at shortstop when healthy. Baez underwent hip surgery in September so there is a chance he misses time. This leaves Trey Sweeney at shortstop, who could platoon with Baez even at full strength. Spencer Torkelson was not traded this offseason and will take his position at first base again. The former No. 1 overall pick has struggled to catch on in the bigs but has a high ceiling led by great power. Colt Keith signed a six year extension to remain in Detroit as well.

Detroit has done its best to build out a deep roster in both the rotation and the field. The American League is down at the moment and the Tigers could swoop in and be one of the surprise teams once again.

2025 Detroit Tigers Season Preview

Major Additions: Gleyber Torres, Jack Flaherty, Tommy Kahnle, Alex Cobb

Potential Lineup

1. Gleyber Torres, 2B
2. Kerry Carpenter, OF
3. Riley Greene, OF
4. Spencer Torkelson, DH
5. Colt Keith, 1B
6. Trey Sweeney/Javier Baez, SS
7. Wenceel Perez, OF
8. Jace Jung, 3B
9. Jake Rogers, C

Potential Rotation

• Tarik Skubal
• Jack Flaherty
• Reese Olson
• Casey Mize
• Kenta Maeda

Record Prediction

The Tigers improved during the offseason but there is still a question of if this team is legitimate. Last season, Detroit came out of nowhere down the stretch and brought high expectations into the offseason. The front office answered and now the team will look deliver on the field. The Tigers will be in the mix as a Wild Card team down the stretch of the season once again.

Final Record: 84-78