Detroit Tigers 2018 Season Preview
The Detroit Tigers are squarely in the midst of a rebuild. Is there any reason for hope in 2018?
For the first time in over a decade, the Detroit Tigers are clearly in the midst of a rebuild. Familiar faces such as Ian Kinsler, Justin Upton, and franchise icon Justin Verlander have been traded away, with Verlander winning that elusive World Series with the Houston Astros. Yes, familiar faces remain, headlined by future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera, but there is a changing of the guard in Detroit.
Instead of heading into the season with postseason aspirations, there is a different goal ahead for the Tigers. Now, they are looking to find their future core, searching for players to add to Nicholas Castellanos and Michael Fulmer. Indeed, the 2018 season is not necessarily going to be considered a success based on wins and losses, but on what pieces they find for the next postseason push in Detroit.
Should that really be the case? Miguel Cabrera is still in a Tigers uniform, as is Victor Martinez. Jordan Zimmermann feels better this season, and the bullpen could be quietly good. If everything falls into place, the Tigers could be a surprising team in the coming year. However, there are quite a few ifs for that to happen.
In what should be a competitive division, the Detroit Tigers are expected to bring up the rear. Is there any realistic hope that will not be the case?
Detroit Tigers additions and subtractions
Key additions: Mike Fiers, Derek Norris, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Francisco Liriano
Newcomer to watch: Mike Fiers. There is one thing that can be said for Mike Fiers – he takes the ball every fifth day.
The Astros leader in starts and innings last season, Fiers signed a one year deal with the Detroit Tigers, earning $6 million. Last season, Fiers posted a mediocre 8-10 record with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.428 WHiP, striking out 146 batters and issuing 62 walks in his 153.1 innings last season. Considering that was how he performed on the eventual World Series winners, his performance in Detroit could be frightening.
Signed to be part of a bridge to the future, Fiers is likely to be traded at the deadline if he can be somewhat functional in the rotation. However, there are already concerns that those hopes may not happen. He is likely to miss the first couple of weeks in April with back issues, making an already risky pitcher all the more questionable.
Notable losses: Ian Kinsler, Anibal Sanchez
Biggest loss: Ian Kinsler. He may not be the hitter he once was, but Kinsler was still a valuable player for the Tigers.
Age caught up with Kinsler last season, as he produced a career-worst .236/.313/.412 batting line. However, he still flashed his power and speed, hitting 22 homers and stealing 14 bases. Kinsler was also solid in the field once again, showing above average range and providing an excellent glove at second.
In his place, the Tigers are slated to turn to Dixon Machado. A utility infielder last season, he flashed a solid glove at second, but his offensive production was woeful. As much as Kinsler struggled with the bat, Machado posted a .259/.302/.319 batting line, worth an OPS+ of 65. The Detroit Tigers trade of Kinsler made sense, but they will certainly miss his presence both in the lineup and in the field.
Expectations for the Detroit Tigers in 2018
Expectations are minimal for the Detroit Tigers coming into the 2018 campaign, and for good reason. With the improvements made throughout the division, they simply do not have the pieces needed to contend.
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The Tigers also have an interesting blend of older players and younger talent. However, the veteran players are virtually unmovable, even if the Tigers were looking to trade them. Victor Martinez has had severe medical issues, leaving his playing time in doubt. Jordan Zimmermann has been a disaster. And, with Miguel Cabrera showing the ravages of time, and due another $184 million over the next six years, he is one of the least tradeable players in the game.
Right now, the Tigers need to find solid young talent to supplement the roster. Getting those players in the early part of their careers, and possibly signing them to team-friendly extensions, will help create that future core. But the issue is that the Tigers need to identify them. With a decent farm system and a reputation for developing talent, those players should emerge soon enough.
In the meanwhile, the Tigers hopes for the 2018 campaign appear to be bleak. They finished the 2017 season with a 64-98 record, and could find similar results by the end of the coming season. However, that rough finish is leading to high draft picks, helping to add pieces for the rebuild.
Next: Tigers top ten prospects
The future may eventually be bright for the Detroit Tigers, but the present is not. Expect more struggles in the coming season. Prediction: Fifth place in the AL Central.