TL;DR
- Detroit Tigers reached ALDS again but lost to Seattle Mariners.
- Tarik Skubal's free agency and Alex Bregman acquisition are key questions.
- Gleyber Torres accepting qualifying offer is considered the biggest offseason move.
- Tigers' 2025 lineup is expected to repeat, with potential for playoff return.
The Detroit Tigers concluded an excellent season, reaching the ALDS for the second year in a row. Nevertheless, they couldn't compete with the Seattle Mariners.
The focus now shifts to what lies ahead. Numerous questions require resolution prior to the commencement of the 2026 season.
A major query revolves around the front office's intentions for Tarik Skubal, who is slated to become a free agent next year. While extension and trade speculation has circulated, Detroit has recently remained silent regarding Skubal's future.
Beyond their top pitcher, Detroit might benefit from an improved third baseman, which would let Colt Keith concentrate on first base/designated hitter duties, and they've been linked to prominent free agent Alex Bregman.
The Tigers' anticipated Opening Day lineup appears to be a repeat of their 2025 configuration.
The fanbase would be immediately energized by Acquiring Bregman. However, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter reports that he feels the Tigers have already completed their most significant offseason move with Gleyber Torres accepting his qualifying offer.
"The Tigers' biggest free-agency splurge could end up being a decision that was out of their hands, as Gleyber Torres accepted his qualifying offer and opted to return to a one-year, $22.025 million deal."
According to Reuter, the Tigers will roll out a similar lineup they did in 2025, consisting of:
- 3B Colt Keith
- 2B Gleyber Torres
- DH Kerry Carpenter
- LF Riley Greene
- 1B Spencer Torkelson
- RF Wenceel Perez
- C Dillon Dingler
- SS Javier Baez
- CF Parker Meadows
Despite a subdued offseason that might disappoint supporters, this roster possesses the capability to generate a substantial number of runs. Should the key players remain injury-free, their path back to the playoffs for a third straight year should be straightforward.
More MLB news:
- Orioles' projected Opening Day lineup following Taylor Ward trade
- Braves' projected Opening Day lineup puts pressure on the core to stay healthy
- Phillies fans should feel confident with this projected Opening Day lineup
- Yankees' projected Opening Day lineup should excite the fanbase
- Blue Jays retaining their star could leave this breakout slugger on the bench