MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera
Two players have dominated the 21st century landscape in Detroit, and they have done so almost simultaneously, making the choice between them a narrow one.
Between his arrival late in 2005 and his trade in 2017, Justin Verlander won 183 games as the unquestioned ace of the Tigers, leading them to the 2006 World Series as a rookie, when he won the Rookie of the Year award.
Since his arrival via trade prior to the 2008 season, Miguel Cabrera has twice led the American League in both home runs and RBI, while winning four batting titles. A seven-time All-Star, he brought back-to-back MVPs to Detroit in 2012 — when he won the Triple Crown — and 2013.
He also happens to rank fourth in franchise history in slugging average, a nice credential given that Hank Greenberg, Ty Cobb, Al Kaline and Harry Heilmann played for the Tigers.
In the wings: The Tigers need second-year first baseman Spencer Torkelson to develop into a contender for “face of the franchise.” The No. 1 overall draft pick of 2020, Torkelson reached the big leagues less than two years later with a reputation for power.
In his rookie season he didn’t live up to that reputation, batting just .203 with eight home runs in more than 400 plate appearances. As a 23-year-old, he has time.