The Tigers came into play on September 1 five games out of a playoff spot in the American League. Four weeks later, the Tigers clinched a spot in the 2024 MLB Postseason, their first since 2014. It was a whirlwind run that included a 16-8 run over the final four weeks and some help from their adversaries. And, one could argue their run was largely thanks to their ace.
The Good
There was no greater story for the Tigers this season than Tarik Skubal. Skubal led all AL pitchers in wins (18), ERA (2.39), strikeouts (228), and bWAR (6.3), a year that netted him the AL Triple Crown and likely, the 2024 AL Cy Young. The lefty was blistering this season, thanks to his plus-plus change that can tumble down hard, coupled with a four-seamer that hits triple-digits.
Skubal was part of a formidable Tigers rotation that included Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, and received good contributions from rookies Keider Montero and Ty Madden late. Flaherty was one of the game’s best over the first half but was dealt in July to the Dodgers. This was before the Tigers went on a tear over the final month.
Detroit’s bullpen proved to be successful, much like in 2022 and 2023. Tigers relievers finished the season with the 11th-best FIP (3.84) in the league. Undrafted reliever Jason Foley notched 28 saves for Detroit, while lefty Tyler Holton did everything asked of him in 2024. Holton was an opener, a finisher, and even pitched in bulk outings. He finished 2024 17th in the AL in bWAR (3.0), incredible for a reliever.
Offensively, the Tigers fared better in 2024 compared to 2023. Detroit finished tied with the Rockies for 19th-best in runs scored (682), not great but still better than in 2023 (661 runs scored – 28th).
A healthy Riley Greene cracked 24 home runs for the Tigers and Kerry Carpenter (.284/.345/.587, 18 HR over 87 GP) remained a terrific bat against right-handed pitchers.
Detroit also received key contributions from youngsters Cole Keith, Trey Sweeney, and Parker Meadows in spurts. Sweeney had nine extra-base hits over 36 games after he came over from LA in the Flaherty deal. Meadows blasted four home runs and nine extra-base hits in September.
The Bad
Detroit experienced hiccups in their bullpen both at the beginning and end of 2024. Alex Lange, the team’s closer for 2023, didn’t return to the role when this season began and his form wasn’t good at all. Lange walked 17 over 18.2 IP before he succumbed to a season-ending injury. His command was never great to begin, as Lange primarily relies on his stuff to get batters out.
Detroit also received poor returns from Shelby Miller this season. Miller, signed in the offseason from the Dodgers, was better in the second half despite a horrific August (8.17 ERA, 2 HR over 11.2 IP) but still posted subpar numbers overall. His ERA stood at 4.53 ERA before the Tigers cut him loose in September.
Offensively, the two big names who underperformed were Javier Baez and Spencer Torkelson. For Baez, it’s a continuation of what’s been a steep decline for the chase-happy shortstop. Baez, currently on the 60-day IL. hit .184/.221/.294 with six home runs and 18 extra-base hits over 80 games. Through three seasons in Detroit (360 GP), Baez owned a .221/.263/.347 slash line.
Torkelson, meanwhile, is a different story. The 25-year-old blasted 31 home runs in a breakthrough campaign last year. This year, he found himself more susceptible to offspeed — a 11% jump in Whiff% against those pitches — and got under balls over a third of the time. Torkelson was demoted in June and hit better — six home runs after his callup — later in the season.
What to Expect from the Tigers in October
Anytime a team has an ace like Skubal, there’s a chance. Granted, it doesn’t guarantee success, especially when timely offensive production is critical to winning in October.
Can the Tigers do that against a strong Astros team? We’ll see. Skubal didn’t do great (4.26 ERA, .749 opp. OPS) against the Astros this season. But, the Tigers do have the left-handed bats to do damage against their righties. If the Tigers can beat up Houston’s left-handed ace, you never know what could happen.
But whatever happens, it’s important to note how crucial this season was for the Tigers. It not only snapped a decade-long postseason drought but also showed that the Tigers’ new core can be something special.