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Detroit Tigers plan on making noise in the offseason

By David Hill

Aug 20, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers shortstop Zack Short (59) celebrates with relief pitcher Gregory Soto (65) and left fielder Willi Castro (9) and second baseman Jonathan Schoop after a win over Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers shortstop Zack Short (59) celebrates with relief pitcher Gregory Soto (65) and left fielder Willi Castro (9) and second baseman Jonathan Schoop after a win over Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Tigers have been a pleasant surprise this season. While they are not going to reach the postseason, or threaten for the division title, they have been able to claw their way back to respectability. Their 62-69 record may not seem like much, but considering where the Tigers have been, that showing is light years ahead of where they had been.

The Tigers are not content to keep taking small steps forward. According to manager AJ Hinch, they expected to go after top free agents to re-establish themselves as a winning franchise.

Detroit Tigers looking to re-establish winning culture

The Tigers have already taken steps toward that goal. Bringing Hinch on board has made a difference in the locker room; even if his championship is tainted by AstroGate, he has still taken a team to the pinnacle. Keeping Jonathan Schoop at the trade deadline, and handing him an extension, shows that commitment from the front office.

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It may be easier said than done when it comes to attracting those top free agents. While some players will sign with whoever offers the most money, there are others who are looking to join a team that can potentially win a championship. Although the Tigers have those aspirations, it is not as easy to convince a player looking for a title to join a previously downtrodden franchise.

This is a situation that the Tigers had been in before. Following their horrendous 43-119 season in 2003, they convinced Ivan Rodriguez to sign a five year deal with the team. They improved by 29 games between 2003 and 2004, and found their way to the World Series in 2006. Rodriguez simply set the Tigers’ plans in motion, showing that this was a team on the rise.

Detroit will be looking to replicate that strategy this offseason. There are several pieces in place, as they have a solid young rotation and top prospects on the cusp of the majors. By adding a couple of proven veterans and improving the bullpen, the Tigers could prove to be a surprise contender in 2022.

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The Detroit Tigers are looking to bring a winning culture to the franchise. Expect them to be quite active in free agency this offseason.

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