The Detroit Tigers spent more than $200 million on their payroll in 2016 and still failed to reach the postseason. That failure led to general manager Al Avila opening the door for some major changes in the offseason with no shortage of players reportedly available on the trade block. However, while Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler and even Miguel Cabrera were all rumored to be on the move, Avila’s only impact trade was moving Cameron Maybin to the Los Angeles Angels. The result is that the Tigers will look a lot like they did a year ago as they hope some of their other veteran players bounce back with better seasons and help them contend for a playoff spot once again in 2017.
Key Additions: 2B Omar Infante, C Alex Avila, OF Mikie Mahtook
Key Losses: OF Cameron Maybin, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, SS Erick Aybar
Strengths
It might not necessarily be a bad thing for the immediate future of this club that Avila didn’t move the majority of his star players. Verlander was the runner-up in last year’s AL Cy Young award voting while Cabrera and Kinsler still have All-Star potential. Closer Francisco Rodriguez ranked second in the AL in saves last season while Michael Fulmer won Rookie of the Year honors and Jose Iglesias showed flashes of his potential to be an elite shortstop in this league. With Verlander and Fulmer leading the rotation while Cabrera, Kinsler, Iglesias and J.D. Martinez leading the offense, this group has serious playoff potential if everything comes together. They are a very balanced team. While their pitching is definitely weaker than the Cleveland Indians, they have the better bats of the two teams and that could be a difference-maker.
Detroit has additional motivation following the passing of longtime owner Mike Ilitch and there is no doubt that they will want to contend for a playoff spot in his memory in 2017.
Weaknesses
Injuries and inconsistencies really hurt the Tigers a year ago and they will definitely need better luck when it comes to staying healthy in order to contend this coming season. Martinez and Nick Castellanos are two names in particular that Detroit will need to stay healthy and contribute. Meanwhile, the rotation isn’t exactly elite behind Verlander and Fulmer and even those two will need to prove the doubters that they think are due for some regression are wrong. The Tigers need Cabrera to deliver another season hitting .300 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI but he might start fading at some point, right? He’s going to be 34-years-old in April and his 4.9 WAR last season was tied for his lowest number in the last seven seasons. Age is an issue with a number of key contributors on the team as Victor Martinez is 38, Kinsler will be 35 this June, K-Rod is 35 and Verlander is 34.
2017 Detroit Tigers Depth Chart
| Catcher | James McCann | Alex Avila | John Hicks | ||
| First Base | Miguel Cabrera | Andrew Romine | Victor Martinez | ||
| Second Base | Ian Kinsler | Andrew Romine | |||
| Third Base | Nick Castellanos | Andrew Romine | JaCoby Jones | ||
| Shortstop | Jose Iglesias | Andrew Romine | Dixon Machado | ||
| Left Field | Justin Upton | Tyler Collins | JaCoby Jones | ||
| Center Field | Mikie Mahtook | JaCoby Jones | Tyler Collins | Andrew Romine | Omar Infante |
| Right Field | J.D. Martinez | Steven Moya | Tyler Collins | ||
| Designated Hitter | Victor Martinez | Miguel Cabrera | J.D. Martinez | ||
| Starting Pitcher | Justin Verlander | Jordan Zimmermann | Michael Fulmer | Mike Pelfrey | Daniel Norris |
| Relief Pitcher | Justin Wilson | Shane Greene | Alex Wilson | Bruce Rondon | Mark Lowe |
| Closer | Francisco Rodriguez | Bruce Rondon | Joe Jimenez | ||
Projected Win Total: 85.5
World Series Odds: +2500
Outlook
Detroit has plenty of pop on offense and some capable arms in its rotation and bullpen but simply needs to stay healthy to capitalize on its potential. The Tigers are loaded with veteran talent but the key will be getting consistent production throughout the lineup and from the big arms at the top of the rotation in Verlander and Fulmer. Detroit has enough talent to contend for a playoff spot in 2017 but a lot will need to go right. The Tigers will certainly be motivated following the passing of their owner and last year’s disappointing year so don’t be surprised if they bounce back this coming season.
Prediction: 90-71
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