The Detroit Tigers have had a rough road trip, going 1-5 and putting their season at risk of collapse. As they head back home, there are growing concerns about the team’s future. In response to reader questions, the Tigers’ options for improving their roster were explored.
One reader suggested trying Colt Keith at first base instead of second base. Keith has struggled defensively at second base, with a defensive runs saved of minus-8. While he may improve with experience, his age may make him even less suited for the position in the future. The Tigers currently have a gap at first base, and relying on Spencer Torkelson doesn’t seem like a viable option anymore. Moving Keith to first base, at least part-time, could be a simple solution.
Another reader asked if Parker Meadows should be brought up to replace Akil Baddoo. While Meadows provides elite defense, his hitting numbers suggest that he may not be ready for the major leagues. He has been struggling against breaking balls, with a batting average of .184 and a high whiff rate. Despite some positive reports about Meadows, his numbers indicate that he still needs to work on his hitting. However, it could still be argued that he would bring more value to the MLB roster than Baddoo.
A reader inquired about the Tigers’ organization’s true 3-plus WAR major-league-level bats from Double-A through the majors. The only player mentioned was Riley Greene, and Colt Keith was seen as a potential candidate but his defense at second base could limit his WAR. The lack of talent in the upper levels of the organization is a significant concern for the Tigers. When it comes to free agency, the team may look to target a first baseman/DH like Christian Walker, who has had solid production and could be available at a reasonable price.
The Tigers also need to address their pitching staff and bullpen. While they may need to replace Jack Flaherty, Luis Severino could be a potential option to fill that role. Adding more speed and athleticism to the team could also be beneficial. In terms of the bullpen, a pitcher like A.J. Minter, who has swing-and-miss stuff, could be a good fit.
With regards to the Tigers’ overall performance, it’s unclear what stage they are in. They are not contenders or tearing down, but rather seem to be in an ongoing rebuild. Trading Tarik Skubal would indicate a significant delay in their timeline for contention. The team has two possible paths forward: either make creative moves to build a winner in the next two years while Skubal is under team control or admit that they don’t have enough talent and trade Skubal for elite hitting prospects.
As for Scott Harris, the Tigers’ general manager, it is unlikely that he will be on the hot seat anytime soon. While there may be some dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, Harris took the job with assurances of stability. It’s clear that the Tigers are on a specific path, and there’s no indication that a change in direction will happen anytime soon.
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism within the Tigers organization. The pitching infrastructure is considered one of the best in baseball, thanks to the expertise of Chris Fetter, Robin Lund, and Gabe Ribas. The Tigers have shown improvement in their pitching capabilities and seem to have a better understanding of how to develop pitchers.
Regarding Spencer Torkelson, he had a hot start in Toledo but has struggled recently. Mentally, he seems to be struggling and not in the right headspace to perform well at the plate. Torkelson believes that improving his approach will help clean up his mechanics and allow him to perform better against high-velocity pitches.
Overall, while the Tigers have their challenges and uncertainties, there are areas of promise within the organization. The team will need to make strategic moves in free agency and player development to improve and become competitive in the future.