Detroit Tigers
Miguel Cabrera is a former two-time American League MVP, a former All-Star, a former winner of the AL Triple Crown, a batting champion, a Silver Slugger and a World Series champion. Justin Verlander is a former American League MVP, a Cy Young winner, an All-Star, a Rookie of the Year and a pitcher of two no-hitters. Francisco Rodriguez is a former AL saves leader, a record-holder for the most saves in a season, an All-Star and a World Series champion. Combine these players with other power threats, pitching presence and postseason experience, and you would think the Tigers would be on their way back to the World Series. However, that may not be the case.
The Tigers made almost no moves this offseason, and it seems that they will go into 2017 with the same team as 2016. Keep in mind that some of their star players, such as Cabrera, Rodriguez, Ian Kinsler and Victor Martinez, are getting older, and their quality of play may be affected. There is no guarantee Michael Fulmer will repeat his 2016 success. The Tigers also have a lackluster bullpen that has hindered them over the past few years.
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There are also question marks about James McCann and Nick Castellanos, and questions about the remainder of the Tigers rotation. With all of those issues, the Tigers may take a step back in a relatively weak division and become pretenders instead of contenders.