In 2015, the Detroit Tigers had their worst season since 2008, finishing in last place in the AL Central with a record of 74-87. Obviously, the Tigers’ string of four consecutive division titles was also brought to an end.
Over the offseason, however, there were quite a few exciting moves that were made under first-year GM Al Avila. On the surface, it would appear that quite a few holes have been patched.
Plus, despite finishing in last place last season, the Tigers’ offense still led all of MLB with a .270 batting average, and their offense looks quite imposing once again. Another big bat in Justin Upton has now been added to join Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez. Detroit also has an extremely underrated second baseman in Ian Kinsler, a shortstop who hit .300 last year in Jose Iglesias and a breakout candidate in Nick Castellanos.
Moreover, catcher James McCann had a great rookie season for the Tigers last year, and Anthony Gose and Cameron Maybin should be able to do solid work patrolling center field.
One of the Tigers’ biggest weaknesses last season was actually the starting rotation, which they have addressed this offseason as well, signing a top-of-the-rotation arm in Jordan Zimmermann and a back-of-the-rotation arm in Mike Pelfrey.
There is still some uncertainty in the Tigers’ starting staff, but Justin Verlander and Zimmermann should be a great 1-2 punch, 2013 AL ERA champion Anibal Sanchez has bounce-back potential and rookie Daniel Norris may be primed for big things as well. They also have quite a bit of depth now with pieces like Matt Boyd, Buck Farmer, Shane Greene and top prospect Michael Fulmer.
The Tigers also gave their bullpen, which has long been an Achilles heel, a rather significant overhaul as well. Newcomers Francisco Rodriguez, Mark Lowe and Justin Wilson appear set to join Blaine Hardy and Alex Wilson, leaving two spots in the ‘pen up for grabs. It certainly appears that a solid relief corps is beginning to take form, and the Tigers have a number of intriguing arms they could plug into the remaining two spots.
Lastly, the Tigers have also improved their bench this year as well. Players such as Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Mike Aviles could prove to be key additions.
It isn’t exactly a slam dunk, but the Tigers do appear to have all of the necessary pieces to make a quick rebound. If everything works out smoothly, a 91-71 record should be within reach.
