As we hit hump day, we return to the AL Central to break down the Detroit Tigers. After the last two more depressing previews, this one is much more uplifting, as fans in the Motor City have something to look forward to this Summer, at least in my humble opinion. The Tigers come into the year off of a frustrating 2023 campaign. They dealt with a lot of injuries last year and are hoping for some better luck on that front this time out. On top of their players returning from injury they added veterans Mark Canha, Gio Urshela and Jack Flaherty to reinforce the group while they look for added contributions from youngsters Parker Meadows and Colt Keith. Let’s take a look at this teams chances.

Keys to Success

1. Keith Proves Himself: While the Tigers didn’t make a significant addition to the roster via free agency or a trade, they will be leaning on a talented youngster to be that dynamic add. That youngster is 22-year-old Colt Keith, who is expected to begin the season at second base and provide much needed offense to a Tigers squad that is a bit short in that department. All eyes will be on the fifth-round pick from 2020 as he joins the club.

2. Skubal Stays Healthy: The Tigers have been banking on their young and talented pitching staff for some time now, but they have been unable to reap the benefits of having these young aces due to injury. Tarik Skubal in particular needs to last the whole year and help lead this team to success following an incomplete season in 23′. If he and some of his running mates can stay on the field, the Tigers could be difficult to score against.

3. Bombs Away for Tork: While the Tigers have some solid hitters in this lineup, they don’t have a lot of power in the starting nine. Most of that will have to be provided by slugging first baseman Spencer Torkelson who hit 33 round trippers last year. He will need to replicate that form this season if the Tigers want to reach the playoffs.

The Lineup

1. Parker Meadows LF

2. Riley Greene CF

3. Spencer Torkelson 1B

4. Kerry Carpenter DH

5. Mark Canha RF

6. Colt Keith 2B

7. Javier Baez SS

8. Zach McKinstry 3B

9. Jake Rogers C

The Staff

1. Tarik Skubal

2. Jack Flaherty

3. Kenta Maeda

4. Matt Manning

5. Casey Mize

Closer: Alex Lange

The Prediction

83 Wins

I think this Tigers team has the potential to make a run to the playoffs, while I ultimately think they will miss out, don’t sleep on them this year! Especially if their pitching staff remains healthy.

You can find me on Twitter @YNWA9623 and subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Also, check out our new Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. We’ll be back with our preview of the Astros tomorrow!