Detroit Tigers: 2016 Season in Review
What Went Right?
It would be a mistake to start a recap of the bright spots in 2016 with anyone other than Justin Verlander. Verlander is owed $28 million in each of the next three seasons, with a vesting option in 2020, and he’s not even the highest paid player on the roster. That’s why it was crucial for the former Cy Young winner to get things turned around.
Verlander threw 227 innings for the Tigers – his highest total since 2012 – and posted a 3.04 ERA. Although the former ace showed signs of improvement last year, in 2014, he earned a career-high 4.54 ERA. It looked like his contract was rapidly on its way to becoming an embarrassing albatross of a deal.
This season, Verlander made some changes that put him firmly back in “ace” territory. Although his average fastball velocity remains about two miles per hour slower than it was at the height of his success, he struck out more than a batter per inning. His 254 punch-outs were the most in the AL, and his ERA ranked second. If he can keep that up, he’ll be worth the cost.
Strong Pitching Performances:
Another highlight for Detroit was the emergence of rookie right-hander Michael Fulmer. The 23-year-old starter went 11-7 in 159 innings, earning a 3.06 ERA and striking out 132 batters.
Fulmer’s success was largely due to an amazing June, when he allowed just two runs over the course five starts and nearly 30 innings. Although he was likely knocked out of Cy Young contention due to a mediocre September, Fulmer still stands a shot at winning Rookie of the Year honors.
The other primary bright spot on the pitching staff was Francisco Rodriguez, who saved 44 games for the Tigers this season. He posted a 3.24 ERA over 61 appearances and struck out 52 batters. The Milwaukee Brewers dealt Rodriguez to Detroit over the off-season, and it appeared to be just what the Tigers needed to settle the back end of their tumultuous bullpen.
Starters Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris also looked like future pieces of the rotation, and should factor into the the Tigers plans going forward.
Success at the Plate:
Miguel Cabrera also enjoyed a “bounceback” season of sorts. He ranked fourth in the AL in batting average after hitting .316/.393/.563 this year. He also crushed 38 home runs and knocked in 108 runs, compared to 18 homers and 76 RBIs last season.
For Cabrera, a down year still involves batting over .300, but staying healthy this season made the difference in being a great player and being an elite player. Given that Cabrera is set to make an average of $31 million per year through at least 2023, the Tigers must have been thrilled to see his power return in 2016.
While there are plenty of outstanding hitters in the Tigers lineup, perhaps none was more consistent that Ian Kinsler. The acquisition of Kinsler continues to be one of the best moves that Detroit’s front office has made in recent memory. He hit .288/.348/.484 with 28 homers and 83 RBIs in 2016, scoring 117 total runs.
Kinsler sets the table for the power hitters behind him, forcing pitchers to throw strikes to players like Victor Martinez, Cabrera, and J.D. Martinez. Without him, the Tigers lineup would be good, but perhaps not quite as lethal as it has been.