2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have had their ups and downs over the past few seasons. However, the 2023 campaign saw several young players take steps forward. And, Detroit could be in a position to make it back to the postseason for the first time in ten years if things go right in 2024. Here’s our 2023-24 offseason recap for the Detroit Tigers.

Notable Additions

The Tigers made the first notable move of the offseason in early November when Detroit acquired Mark Canha from Milwaukee. Canha’s always been good at getting on base, which should be an asset for a Tigers team that struggled to score runs in 2023.

However, Detroit focused intently on improving both the bullpen and rotation. Andrew Chafin is back for 2024 after he spent 2023 with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. The Tigers also signed Shelby Miller after a very impressive 2023 in the Dodgers bullpen.

On the rotation side of things, Detroit picked up Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty. Maeda pitched fine in his return from Tommy John surgery, while Flaherty will look for a softer landing after a tough stretch in Baltimore.

Now, a look at the subtractions part of our Tigers offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

The Tigers will look significantly different on paper in 2024. Even though Miguel Cabrera didn’t have a strong impact on the Tigers over his last few MLB seasons, the now-retired infielder won’t be on Detroit’s roster for the first time since 2007.

But arguably the biggest loss this winter was of Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez diced hitters up last year for the Tigers. However, the Tigers were unable to get anything for him at the deadline after he vetoed a trade to the Dodgers.

Nick Maton, who had a rough 2023 campaign after he was acquired in the Gregory Soto trade, and Spencer Turnbull were also cut loose.

What to Expect in 2024

The Tigers come into 2024 as one of the league’s more intriguing teams.

Detroit’s nucleus for the future is coming together, as Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, and Riley Greene all had good seasons. If those three can stay healthy in 2024 and Colt Keith can have an immediate impact for the Tigers, Detroit’s offense could be one of the game’s most improved.

On the pitching side of things, the loss of Eduardo Rodriguez stings. However, the pending return of Casey Mize, coupled with Tarik Skubal, could help push Detroit back into the playoffs conversation for the first time in a long time.