The Tigers are in a full rebuild at the moment in the MLB as many of their top prospects are still in the minors. They have a new manager in A.J. Hinch who is back from his year-long suspension for his role in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal back in 2017. In a few years from now, the Tigers will be a team to watch in the AL Central and baseball.
Lineup
The lineup is not as flashy as it once was, but the Tigers brought in veterans with Catcher Wilson Ramos, Outfielder Robbie Grossman, and OF Nomar Mazara. They resigned Second Baseman Johnathan Schoop to a team-friendly deal. C Grayson Greiner will be the second catcher and will platoon with Ramos. First Baseman Jeimer Candelario, Third Baseman Isaac Parades, and Short Stop Willi Castro round out the infield with Utility Man Niko Goodrum who can play in the infield and outfield. OF JaCoby Jones and Victor Reyes round out the outfield with former Triple-Crown Winner 1B Miguel Cabrera at the Designated Hitter spot. 2021 1st overall pick 1B/3B Spencer Torkelson is the future face of the franchise and will be up in a few years along with top prospect OF Riley Greene.
Pitching
Right-Handed Pitcher Spencer Turnbull and Left-Handed Pitcher Matthew Boyd will anchor this young rotation with former 2018 #1 overall pick RHP Casey Mize who is on the come-up. The Tigers also added some veteran help with RHP Jose Urena. LHP Tarik Skubal is another young arm who will get a chance to showcase his potential this year. The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year RHP Michael Fulmer has been out for the past two years after having Tommy John Surgery as well. Top prospect RHP Matt Manning should get called up as well to help with the rotation. In a few years, this Tigers rotation may be one of the best in all of baseball.
Bullpen
The biggest weakness on this Tigers team is the bullpen. RHP Joe Jimenez is their best reliever with LHP Gregory Soto as their closer going into this season. The Tigers will struggle this season with the bullpen as they can only rely on two pitchers in relief. Despite the promising starting rotation, the bullpen will have its struggles.
Prediction
The Tigers are in the midst of a rebuild but look promising with most of their talent in the minors. They still have players on this team who can produce when they need it the most. The starting rotation is good, but the bullpen may let them down this season. The Tigers are going to finish in 5th place in the AL Central, but they may be at the top of the division very soon.