Detroit Tigers: From Cinderella to Contender, Is It Possible?
The Detroit Tigers, who seemed destined for another losing season in August 2024, have undergone an astonishing transformation. After a streak of eight consecutive losing seasons and ten without reaching the playoffs, the team has resurfaced with strength. Currently, with a record of 36-20, they lead the American League in 2025. This radical change has been evident since August 11, 2024, with the Tigers recording the best record in Major League Baseball since then.
- Detroit Tigers: 67-33 (.670)
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 64-36 (.640)
- New York Mets: 62-38 (.620)
- Philadelphia Phillies: 61-38 (.616)
This domain is attributed to several key factors that have transformed the team’s performance in the last 100 games.
The Impact of Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal, the 2024 American League Cy Young winner, has elevated his game to a higher level. In the current season, Skubal boasts an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 92 to 7, which translates to 13.14 strikeouts per walk. This performance could be the best in history for a qualified pitcher.
- Skubal, 2025: 13.14
- Phil Hughes, 2014: 11.63
- Bret Saberhagen, 1994: 11.00
- Cliff Lee, 2010: 10.28
- Curt Schilling, 2002: 9.58
“I was a little excited, to be honest, before the entrance started,” Skubal said after the game. “It was great. I just thought to myself that my 12-year-old self wouldn’t believe that I would have the opportunity to have the support of the fanbase the way I do and be in that moment.”
Tarik Skubal
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt called him the best pitcher in baseball, a testament to Skubal’s impact.
An Impeccable Relay
The Tigers’ bullpen has been fundamental to their success, with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.78, the best in the league. The Tigers’ bullpen’s ERA has improved significantly over the last few seasons.
- Start of the 2024 season until August 10: 4.16 ERA (20th in the majors)
- From August 11 to the end of the season: 2.35 ERA (2nd in the majors)
- 2025: 3.31 ERA (7th in the majors)
Manager A.J. Hinch and pitching coach Chris Fetter have been key to this success. Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest have shared the closer responsibilities.
The team could look to add more depth to this area. Kahnle has been successful throwing changes 84% of the time, but hasn’t thrown 50 innings in a season since 2019. Beau Brieske had a 3.18 ERA last season as a reliever, but is at 5.29 in 2025 with only 12 strikeouts in 17 innings. Overall, the bullpen ranks 22nd in the majors in strikeout rate, so it’s more of a contact bullpen.
Renewed Offensive
The Tigers’ offense has also seen a notable improvement, with an OPS of .726, ranking among the top ten in Major League Baseball. The offense has shown a consistent improvement in recent games.
- Start of the 2024 season until August 10: .674 OPS (27th in the majors, 4.12 runs per game)
- From August 11 to the end of the season: .714 OPS (13th in the majors, 4.45 runs per game)
- 2025: .736 OPS (8th in the majors, 5.07 runs per game)
The improvement in the offense is partly attributed to the additions of Gleyber Torres and Spencer Torkelson. Torres, with a one-year contract worth $15 million, has an OBP of .380, well above his .334 average. Torkelson, for his part, is batting .238/.351/.513 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs, showing a significant improvement in his performance.
The Impact of Javier Báez
Javier Báez has had a notable performance, batting .280/.315/.459 in 2025. Manager Hinch has known how to combine the lineups, and Báez has proven to be a key piece in multiple positions. Despite Báez’s difficulties in 2024, his current performance demonstrates his ability to contribute to the team. With the addition of Vierling, and the versatility of Báez, the Tigers’ lineup has become deeper and more versatile.The Promising Future of Mize and Jobe
Casey Mize and Jackson Jobe have combined for a 10-2 record with a 3.23 ERA in 2025. Mize, with a 6-1 record and a 2.45 ERA, has demonstrated his ability to limit contact and generate a high ground ball percentage. Jobe, although with a 4.03 ERA, shows potential for improvement, especially with his changeup. The combination of Mize and Jobe could be key to the Tigers’ continued success.
The Detroit Tigers have proven to be a team to watch, with improvements in their offense, a dominant pitcher, and a manager who knows how to use his roster. With a promising farm system, the team could further strengthen itself at the trade deadline.
The Tigers haven’t won 100 games since 1984, the same year they won the World Series. This team has the potential to make both things happen in 2025.
