Detroit Tigers: Five Ways to Improve the Team in 2017

Earlier today, we took a look at the Detroit Tigers’ 2016 season. While they ultimately missed the playoffs, there were still a lot of positive notes to build upon for next year. But what can they improve on this winter?

The offseason is a time to focus on the aspects of a team that need improvement. The Detroit Tigers have players locked up at most positions, which doesn’t leave them a lot of room to make changes. The front office will still be busy in the months leading up to Spring Training, however, as they try to tweak their roster to cut back on costs and build a younger team.

James McCann should return as the primary backstop, and Miguel Cabrera is obviously in no danger of losing his spot at first base. Ian Kinsler is similarly locked in at second base, and on the left side of the diamond, Jose Iglesias and Nick Castellanos are key parts of the team’s young core.

In the outfield, Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez are slated to begin the season with Detroit. Victor Martinez will also reprise his role as the team’s designated hitter, barring a very surprising development.

So which players’ futures are still up in the air? Cameron Maybin was excellent for the Tigers last season, batting .315/.383/.418 and stealing 15 bases, but Detroit would need to pick up his $9 million option first.

The trade rumors are already swirling around Maybin and J.D. Martinez, who are two of the team’s most coveted players. While many of the contracts handed out by Detroit’s free-spending front office are considered to be untradeable, those are two names that could attract some attention over the winter.

On the pitching side of things, young arms like Matt Boyd and Michael Fulmer will stick around, as will veteran Justin Verlander. Closer Francisco Rodriguez’s name may appear in trade rumors frequently as well, as he has an affordable $6 million option for the 2017 season.

The Tigers have already stated they don’t intend to chase free agents this winter. That’s probably a good thing, given how weak the market is. However, it means they’ll have to focus on improving via trades and minor league deals. Financial restrictions could make it an interesting offseason for a team that’s used to spending big bucks every year.

So what areas do the Tigers need to improve before Opening Day next season? Let’s take a look at five.