The 2025 season for the Detroit Tigers was one to remember, despite it ending in complete heartbreak. The Tigers lost to the Seattle Mariners in Game 5 of the ALDS on a walk-off in the 15th inning. Despite the rough ending to the season, the Tigers are set for a big bounce back.
Biggest question of the offseason: Tarik Skubal
The Back-to-Back Cy Young winner is entering the last year of his contract. The Tigers want to resign him and/or extend him, but it will come at an extremely high price. Skubal won his arbitration case against the Tigers that led to being one of the biggest arbitration cases ever. It will be extremely interesting to see how the Tigers staff handle Skubal as the season goes on.
Free Agency
The Tigers added many notable pitchers including Framber Valdez, Kenley Jansen, and resigning Kyle Finnegan. All three of these pitchers are going to add great depth to the rotation and bullpen. It was head scratching that Tigers once again didn’t add a significant bat to help a lineup that struggled late in the season last year. Another player they added was Justin Verlander who will make his return to Detroit and help the starting lineup.
Promising Prospects
The Tigers have two Top Ten prospects that could have legitimate time in the majors this season. Kevin McGonigle is an exciting shortstop that has shown great talent so far in spring training and is likely to make the opening day roster for the Tigers. Max Clark is another outfield prospect that is slightly less devolved but could come to the majors in 2027.
The Tigers were an extremely young team in 2025 and are only going to get better with more experience. Veterans like Gleyber Torres and Javy Baez will keep the lineup steady throughout the year. Staying healthy has been a struggle for the Tigers, but with good depth in AAA, it shouldn’t be a problem for the Tigers. The Tigers also have an extremely talented starting lineup with Skubal, Valdez, Casey Mize, Justin Verlander, and Jack Flaherty.
