The Detroit Tigers are a team well known for their culture, historical greats, and successful franchise. However, playoff baseball and World Series victories seemed like a thing of the past for Detroit after falling short in both 2006 and 2012. In fact, the Tigers’ success declined so significantly that they were only able to fill an estimated 18,536 seats per game in a stadium that could seat more than 42,000. However, after multiple successful draft classes and free agent signings, the Tigers find themselves as one of the top teams to beat in the American League (AL). Even though they are a top team in the league, with a handful of tough series to end the last month of the season, the Tigers need to solidify a powerful playoff roster by cutting two players from a team with a ton of depth.
One of the major issues leading to the lack of success towards the end of the season is the result of the bullpen, a group of pitchers responsible for taking over when the starting pitcher exits. With a 4.42 ERA ranking according to MLB.com, ranked 21st in the MLB, it has been a major problem for the Tigers’ success. Paul Sewald, a right-handed reliever with a 5.52 ERA, has been nothing more than a liability for the Tigers. Having to remove two players before October, it’s clear that Sewald needs to go.
Moving on to the other side of the game, the Tigers’ offense has been stunning to say the least this year. Having one of the youngest and cheapest teams, the Tigers are still able to be a top 10 offensive team, led by career-high years by first-baseman Spencer Torkelson and Left Fielder Riley Greene. However, with strict cut deadlines and small rosters, tough decisions need to be made.
Jace Jung, a young rookie star for the Tigers who was recently promoted to the majors, seems to be a clear choice to be sent down to the minors. Not only would his skill continue to develop, but he would also be able to grow in many important positions with fielding and hitting, and not have to rely on the pressure of big games down the road into the playoffs.
The Tigers possess the skills to go the distance, but that can only happen if they remain strong as a team and continue to trust one another. Playoffs are back, and the Tigers are already in full swing!
