With Spring Training right around the corner, it’s time to look at the 2021 Detroit Tigers. In the shortened 60 game 2020 season, the Tigers posted a record of 23-35. That record landed them in last place in the AL central for the second straight year and the second worst record in the American League behind the Texas Rangers. There wasn’t really any bright spots for the Tigers last year, but their young core hopes to make a huge jump to help the Tigers win some games this season. In the offseason, the Tigers landed skipper AJ Hinch to manage the team this year, after Ron Gardenhire’s retirement at the end of last year. Let’s take a look at the projected rotation, lineup and more –
Projected Rotation
- Matthew Boyd (L)
- Spender Turnbull (R)
- Michael Fulmer (R)
- Jose Urena (R)
- Julio Teheran (R)
Besides maybe Spencer Turnbull, the entire Tiger pitching staff was a disappointment last year. The Tigers had the highest ERA in the league last year (5.63) which made it very difficult to win ball games. Young prospects such as Casey Mize (R), Tarik Skubal (L) and Beau Burrows (R) all got some innings last year, but didn’t perform as well as we thought they would. I believe when April comes around, we will see the young pitchers start their seasons in the minor leagues, but find themselves back in the bigs during the “dog days” of the MLB season, when the Tigers need some fresh arms.
General Manager, Al Avila, added some nice pieces to the rotation this offseason. 29-year old right hander Jose Urena and 10 year veteran Julio Teheran will fit nicely in the struggling Tiger Rotation.
Projected Bullpen
RP – David McKay (R), Derek Holland (L), Joe Jimenez (R), Tyler Alexander (L), Daniel Norris (L)
SU – Buck Farmer (R), Jose Cisnero (R)
Closer – Bryan Garcia (R)
The Tigers bullpen was a disaster during the 2020 season. There was really only one maybe two guys that Gardenhire could throw out there with confidence. The Tigers did not address the closer situation in the offseason, so I’m guessing they’ll go with right-hander Bryan Garcia. However, AJ Hinch did make a point saying, “I’ll use the term. I’ll name one. But that doesn’t mean the closer will only pitch the 25th, 26th and 27th outs.” If Garcia does get named the closer, he will most likely appear in situations, rather than just hold or save opportunities. There is a possibility that Joe Jimenez could get another shot at that closer position as well.
Another name to look at is Jose Cinsero, who was one of the few bright spots in the Tigers bullpen last season. The 31-year old posted a 3.03 ERA and a 34/10 K/BB ratio, across 29 2/3 innings.
Projected Lineup
- (S) Victor Reyes, LF
- (R) Jonathon Schoop, 2B
- (R) Miguel Cabrera, DH
- (R) Renato Nunez, 1B
- (S) Jeimer Candelario, 3B
- (S) Robbie Grossman, RF
- (R) JaCoby Jones, CF
- (S) Willie Castro, SS
- (R) Wilson Ramos, C
The Tiger lineup would be interesting. I imagine AJ Hinch would like the idea of the four switch hitters in the lineup. The Tigers added some power to the lineup in the offseason, adding slugging first baseman Renato Nunez and Robbie Grossman who had 12 doubles last year. They also added veteran catcher, Wilson Ramos. The Tigers are hoping players like Jonathon Schoop, Jeimer Candelario and Willie Castro can have similar or better seasons than they did last year, as they were maybe the three bright spots in Tigers order. JaCoby Jones also showed some promise last year, but injury and inconsistent play left with with another average year.
There is a possibility we could see number 1 pick, Spencer Torkelson in the lineup at some point this year. Their number three prospect, outfielder Riley Greene can also make an appearance.
Team Awards and Record Projection
Best Pitcher – Matthew Boyd
Boyd did not meet his expectations in 2020, as he was a dark horse Cy-Young candidate in the beginning of the year. After a year where he struggled, I think he will bounce back and have a very productive season.
Best Offense Player – Jeimer Candelario
Candelario took a huge leap forward during the 2020 campaign. He posted a career high in AVG, OBP, OPS and slugging percentage. I can see the 27 year old hitting somewhere in between .280-.290 with a home run total in the mid 20s and 75ish RBI’s. I know those numbers aren’t eye popping, but you have to remember, we are talking about the Detroit Tigers here.
Projected Record – 74-88
I will say, on paper the Tigers did improve this offseason. Did they improve enough to complete in the AL Central, though? No. It is going to be another rough season for the Detroit Tigers.