Tag: Detroit Tigers

MLB 2022 Season Preview: AL Central Divisional Breakdown


Baseball is back! A frosty, tense, and acrimonious lockout thankfully ended last week, and Spring Training is well underway. Pre-season games start on March 17th, with Opening Day scheduled for April 7th. Subsequently, it is the perfect time to look forward, not back, and preview the new campaign — focusing on the AL Central.

The AL Central could get hectic this season. The Central has featured some miserable baseball over the last few years. However, Spring Training has provided fans with glimpses that the green shoots of recovery are springing. Last year, the Chicago White Sox ran away with the title, but they should see some fierce competition as their rivals look stronger.

Photo Credit: www.mlb.com

2022 AL Central Preview

Chicago White Sox

2021 record: 93-69, AL Central winners

Our AL Central preview begins in Chicago. The Chicago White Sox enjoyed a superb 2021 season as they romped to the AL Central title. The veteran management of Tony La Russa, coupled with a top-ten pitching rotation and powerful hitting, propelled the ChiSox to the playoffs. Ultimately, the Sox’s season ended at the hands of the Houston Astros. Nonetheless, the South Siders start 2022 as the runaway favorites to repeat as AL Central winners.

Biggest off-season move: Leury Garcia

Keeping a franchise cornerstone on the roster is a good sign for the White Sox. White Sox stalwart Leury Garcia re-signed with the franchise in the off-season, as he inked a three-year deal worth $16.5 million. Garcia’s utility ability and pop off the bat are essential parts of the Sox’s everyday roster.

Player to watch: Gavin Sheets

One of the touted prospects from the White Sox pipeline, Gavin Sheets, broke through in 2021. The powerful, versatile player hopes to build off of an impressive rookie campaign. Sheets can play in the infield, outfield, and possibly as DH in inter-league games. Sheets is getting plenty of looks in Spring Training games, and he could start on the White Sox’s Opening Day roster.

Season projection: AL Central winners

The White Sox are too talented, too deep, and too experienced not to win the AL Central. Their pitching rotation and bullpen are the best in the division, and they can hit for power and placement. With La Russa’s veteran experience, this is a team ready for the 162-game marathon.

Cleveland Guardians

2021 record: 80-82

The Cleveland Guardians finished second in the AL Central last year. Overall, it was a solid, if unspectacular, season from a club long removed from the halcyon days of playing in the World Series. The Guardians are a milquetoast organization, and 2021 was the ultimate example.

Biggest off-season move: Not trading Shane Bieber

Shane Bieber is one of the top pitchers in the game. The former Cy Young Award recipient is still on the Guardians’ roster. Whether he ends the season as a Guardian is another matter. Bieber could be one of the big names on the trade block near the deadline. The experienced arm will continue to deal and give the Guardians a chance until then.

Player to watch: Gabriel Arias

Ranked as the third-best prospect in the Guardians’ pipeline, Gabriel Arias will make headlines in 2022. The infielder hit .571 during his Spring Training at-bats. The Guardians sent him to minor league camp on Monday. Nevertheless, Arias will get called up at some point. The talented hitter with solid fielding skills is another young prospect in the AL Central.

Season projection: Bringing up the rear

The Guardians are in complete tear-down mode. Add that with their AL Central rivals getting stronger, and it will be a long 162 games for the club.

Detroit Tigers

2021 record: 77-85

The Detroit Tigers emerged from their hibernation in 2021, as AJ Hinch’s first season as manager went well. The Tigers finished third in the AL Central, as the first positive signs of their rebuild bore fruit. 2022 is an even bigger year for the Motor City Kitties. Exciting prospects, significant free-agent acquisitions, and an experienced manager could kick-start a new era of Tigers baseball.

Biggest off-season move: Signing Javy Baez

The Tigers needed a shortstop; GM Al Avila bagged a shortstop. The enigmatic Javy Baez inked a six-year deal worth $160 million. The former two-time All-Star has one Gold Glove and a World Series ring on his trophy mantle. Baez’s signing ushered a new stage in the Tigers’ long-term plan. Signing Baez suggests that the Tigers are now willing to splash the cash to improve the team and compete. All eyes in Detroit are on Baez this season.

Player to watch: Spencer Torkelson

Former first-overall pick Spencer Torkelson is the most exciting prospect in the AL Central. Torkelson enjoyed a glittering, record-breaking college career before the Tigers drafted him. Due to the Covid-hit Minor League program, Torkelson got on the fast track to the big leagues.

The powerful infielder is slotted to play first base, and his batting ability could quickly elevate him into a rookie phenom status. Future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera gave Torkelson the seal of approval during Spring Training. That sums up how the Tigers view Torkelson.

Season projection: Above .500

The Tigers now need to tack on a winning season to prove that Al Avila’s plan works. The Tigers have a glut of talented youngsters, a core of solid veterans, and some exciting new faces. It’s been a long time coming, but it finally looks like the Tigers are back on the prowl.

Kansas City Royals

2021 record: 74-88

Like the Tigers, the Kansas City Royals enjoyed a decent 2021 season. The Royals displayed a similar trajectory to their rebuilding bedfellows, as they hit the 70-win mark for the first time in several years. With a group of talented prospects in the pipeline and some experienced everyday players, the Royals could shake things up in the AL Central.

Biggest off-season move: Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke is home. The veteran former Cy Young Award winner is back where it all started. While Greinke isn’t the pitcher of ten years ago, his veteran moxie and know-how bagged him 11 wins last season. The Royals handed Greinke a one-year deal worth $13 million. He will take the mound on Opening Day, and the Royals will desperately want Greinke to maintain his skillful approach. Greinke had solid whiff percentages on off-speed pitches, which will be crucial to success in Kansas City.

Player to watch: Bobby Witt Jr

Bobby Witt Jr is the number one ranked prospect in baseball. The shortstop is the classic five-tool player, and he will surely break out in 2022. Witt’s outstanding athleticism and blazing bat speed are the headline-stealing traits. The AL Central may not have seen an exceptional talent emerge like this in several years.

Season projection: Above .500

The Royals’ ETA is eerily similar to the Tigers’. Therefore, the Royals must have a winning season. They possess a blend of exciting youngsters and veterans, and the Royals could enjoy a sneakily good season.

Minnesota Twins

2021 record: 73-89

Our AL Central preview ends in Minnesota. The Minnesota Twins propped up the AL Central last year, and they’ve made aggressive moves to change course in 2022. The Twins’ new-look batting lineup should bring about some Purple Rain this season, and the fans are expecting a significant bounce-back.

Biggest off-season move: Signing Carlos Correa

The big blockbuster deal of the off-season was Carlos Correa signing with the Twins. The superstar shortstop signed a three-year deal worth $105.3 million. It was an eye-watering contract, but Correa’s CV deserved a big payday. Correa is a serial winner; a threat at the plate and in the field. He is arguably the best player in the AL Central.

Player to watch: Gary Sanchez

Gary Sanchez was part of the package sent to Minnesota when the New York Yankees traded for Josh Donaldson. Sanchez was a part of the Baby Bombers when the Yankees reached the ALCS in 2017. Sanchez smashed 33 home runs that season.

Sadly, it was the highlight year as sub-par batting performances, doubts about his defense, and criticism surrounding his physique overwhelmed Sanchez. A clean start in a friendlier market could help Sanchez kick-start his career. It’s a make-or-break year.

Season Projection: Playoff contenders

The Twins got better this off-season. A lot better. Their batting lineup now boasts plenty of power, they’ve got solid fielders, and their pitching rotation features some star names. “If” is a big word in sport, but they will be right in the mix if the Twins clubhouse gels.

Detroit Tigers: Javier Baez to sign six-year $140 million contract

The Detroit Tigers have agreed to sign free-agent shortstop Javier Baez to a six-year $140 million contract.

The soon-to-be 29-year-old was a key cog in the Chicago Cubs lineup that bucked a 108-year championship drought. He also finished second in the 2018 MVP race after posting career highs in nearly every offensive category.

Throughout his eight-year career, Baez has established himself as an elite and flashy defender. In 2020, his stellar play led to the Gold Glove award. Tigers fans can also expect Baez to continue wreaking havoc for the opponent on the bases.

He’s also, however, still a free swinger. In 2021, Baez led major league baseball in strikeouts while also ranking 3rd in strikeout percentage. The Cubs sent their star infielder to the New York Mets just before the July trade deadline, where a new approach led to a reduced strikeout rate and increased walk rate.

Javier Baez signed a six-year $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

Tigers fans had been loudly clamoring for Carlos Correa since the 2021 regular season. Yet, this move should not come as a surprise. General Manager Al Avila and owner Chris Illitch have already been on record saying they do not wish to pay a single player $300 million, and they didn’t.

At $140 million, the Tigers are still in the market for another bat or arm. Utility extraordinaire Chris Taylor is still available, in addition to left-handed slugger Kyle Schwarber.

On a larger budget, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Nick Castellanos wouldn’t be the most unrealistic moves in the world for a team that once boasted Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Verlander all making over $20 million annually.

This move sets the Tigers up to begin their next championship window. Young phenoms Riley Green and Spencer Torkelson are expected to be lineup mainstays for the 2022 campaign. Pitchers Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize will also be off of any pitching restrictions.

The current CBA is set to expire Wednesday, which will likely freeze any further free agency deals for the time being.

Detroit Tigers: Tigers Sign Eduardo Rodriguez

The Detroit Tigers have signed left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez.

The former Red Sox pitcher inked a five-year deal with a player option after the second year. With incentives, the deal is valued at up to $80 million.

Rodriguez has been a model of consistency in his big league career, coming off another 30+ start season. In 2019, he finished sixth in the Cy Young award race, where he posted a career-high 203.1 innings.

As a result, the Red Sox will receive a compensatory draft pick, in addition, the Tigers will surrender their third-highest draft pick in 2022.

Where does he fit in the Tigers rotation?

Even with the innings limits removed from Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, Eduardo Rodriguez will likely find himself anywhere between 2-4 in AJ Hinch’s rotation.

His repertoire includes a fastball that will sit around 93 mph, which he compliments well with a changeup around 85 mph, a cutter at 88 mph, and a slider at 82 mph.

Rodriguez is a strikeout savant who is coming off posting his career-best strikeout rate (10.6 per nine innings) while also among the league’s best at limiting hard contact. In addition, he also had the lowest walk rate of his career (2.7 per nine innings).

The lefty is poised to be a veteran presence in the young Tigers rotation despite being only 28 years old. He and Matthew Boyd are the most tenured starters on the Tigers…for now cough Justin Verlander.

This move is the Tigers’ second of the offseason after they traded for two-time Gold Glove
catcher Tucker Barnhart on November 3rd.

Tigers’ GM Al Avila has previously identified the strong need at improving the starting pitching this offseason, even placing it as a top priority.

Despite Tigers fans’ strong desire to hand a blank check to Carlos Correa before any other moves are made, this should come as no surprise after witnessing the Tigers select eight pitchers in the 2021 MLB Draft.

BREAKING: Detroit Tigers Acquire Tucker Barnhart

Credit: Ross D Franklin AP

The offseason is underway, and the Detroit Tigers have struck first as they acquired Tucker Barnhart. The Detroit Tigers have sent minor league prospect Nick Quintana to the Cincinnati Reds. In exchange for two-time Gold Glove award-winning catcher Tucker Barnhart.

The Tigers made the move in part due to Jake Rogers scheduled to miss the entire 2022 season. He will recover from Tommy John surgery.

Barnhart, an exceptional pitch framer, joins the Tigers after posting a 49.4% strike rate (Percentage of non-swinging strikes on the edge of the zone that were called ie: borderline) in 2021.

For comparison, Greyson Greiner led the Tigers with 48.5%. Notable higher than Eric Haase (44.7%), Jake Rogers (44.4%), and Dustin Garneau (43.3%).

Last season also saw Barnhart’s career-best in Runs from Extra Strikes, which converts strikes to runs saved, with a +5. No other catcher on the Tigers roster posted anything as a net positive.

Offensively, Barnhart won’t be a focal point of the order but will by no means be a hole in the lineup. At his position, his slash line of .247/.317/.368 as well as his 21 doubles and 100 strikeouts put him at league average.

What did exactly did the Tigers send away?

Nick Quintana was the Tigers second-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. Quintana’s best-projected trait at the big league level was his power tool, notably to the pull side. Thus far in his pro career, Quintana found himself susceptible to high velocity and has found himself struggling to make contact.

It’s still very early in his pro career, but if the Tigers saw doubts in his development, they received an excellent return in getting a formidable backstop in Barnhart.

Trading for Barnhart is the first move of hopefully many for the Tigers, in what is going to be their most highly anticipated offseason in recent memory. Fans have been clamoring for Carlos Correa to reunite with his old manager, as well as bringing home beloved starter Justin Verlander.

Detroit Tigers: Four Tigers Named All-Rookie Second Team

Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize
Photo credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The driving force of what made the 2021 season so refreshing was the explosion of a young rookie core. Furthermore, it came from a balanced group of pitchers and position players, giving the Detroit Tigers potentially a look at a well-rounded and talented future. As a result of their breakout seasons, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Akil Baddoo, and Eric Haase were selected to MLB Pipeline’s 2021 All-Rookie Second Team.

Casey Mize

Mize, the former number one overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, should be no surprise to Tigers fans, as his blue-chip status was confirmed in his first full season in the bigs, holding opposing hitters to a .234 average in 150 innings pitched.

He also notched 118 strikeouts, including punching out seven in five innings against the Yankees on May 28th. Next season Mize will be off his rookie innings limit and contend to surpass 200 k’s in a season.

Tarik Skubal

Left-handed strikeout artist Tarik Skubal joined Mize from the 2018 draft class to provide effectiveness the Tigers have not seen from the left side since Dontrelle Willis and the only good five innings he ever pitched in Detroit. Skubal, also on an innings limit, racked up 164 strikeouts in 149.1 innings pitched. His mid 90’s fastball and sharp breaking ball were dominant all season, including an eleven punchout performance in only five innings against the White Sox on June 5th.

Next season with the training wheels off, expect to see the young Mize and Skubal make a massive leap forward in their continued development.

Akil Baddoo

The next player receiving all-rookie acknowledgment was arguably the most exciting player on the Detroit Tigers, Akil Baddoo. Baddoo, a rule 5 draft steal from the Twins, captured the attention of Tigers fans in his very first major league plate appearance when he homered to left field on the very first pitch he saw.

The five-tool outfielder continued his electric momentum the entire season, providing a spark with his bat, legs, and defense. In only 124 games, Baddoo clubbed 13 home runs with seven triples, second-best in all of baseball. He also swiped 18 bags, providing another asset that has been unfamiliar in Detroit.

Detroit’s outfield is projected (by me) to be the strength of both the Tigers’ defense and offense, and Baddoo is a major reason why.

Eric Haase

Rounding out the Tigers All-Rookie squad is hometown hero and catcher Eric Haase. An injured Jake Rogers provided the opportunity for the 28-year-old Dearborn native to finally showcase his major league power. Haase had been with the Cleveland Indians big league club since 2018 but had never appeared in more than ten games. Ninety-eight games with the Tigers, however, and the catcher slugged 22 home runs, including a game-tying grand slam against the Twins on July 27th.

The catcher position has been a revolving door for the Tigers for the past several seasons. Detroit has refrained from a long-term commitment to anyone not named Alex Avila. Jake Rogers’ health — and his mustache — will remain a concern for the foreseeable future, but the Tigers are in a great position otherwise with Eric Haase behind the plate.

MLB Pipeline aside, the argument could be made for several of these rookies to receive Rookie of the Year votes. Had the Tigers been a contender, they certainly would have. However, without the contributions of this core, fans would have been counting down the days to Lions training camp in June.

Al, you have assembled a great unit of young and talented players. Break out the checkbook and don’t be stingy.