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Local Fans say Tigers will finish last in AL Central in 2021... but is there more to this team?

82% of local fans don't think the 2021 Detroit Tigers will finish 1st in the AL Central. Most analysts agree placing the Tigers in an easy last with some projecting 51 wins and 111 losses in 2021.

However, the grass is getting greener for the Tigers after 4 straight losing seasons. Despite Miguel Cabrera’s whooping annual contract of $30+ million through the 2024 season and his replacement level offensive performance since 2016, the Tigers are coming into 2021 below the league average payroll ($110,688,124) at $66,170,00.

While there’s a 0% chance he’ll use his full $120mil soft cap space signing free agents like Trevor Bauer or Ryan Braun, it does give GM Al Avila leeway to fill temporary gaps.

For instance, in January the Tigers inked outfielder Robbie Grossman to a 2 year, $10mil contract. In 2020 Grossman outperformed his A’s contract by almost 79% and in 2021 he’ll provide stability, experience, and depth to an exceptionally young outfield.

A few days ago, Avila signed veteran catcher Wilson Ramos to a 1 year, $2mil contract. The 10 year veteran is notoriously hard to strike out and boasts a career average WAR of 1.56. 2020’s Tiger catchers combined for a .177/.217/.277 slash and a league worst -1.2 WAR. So he’s an upgrade even if he repeats his worst season (-.5 WAR in 2015).

While these signings aren’t ‘Stafford for Goff’ moves, they help improve a young ball club in need of a veteran presence.

I wouldn’t expect the Tigers to be done either. Detroit has been linked to former Cardinal 2nd baseman Kolton Wong and recent rumblings talk of another outfielder being added to the mix. Names such as former Red Adam Duvall, Jay ‘Big Wrists’ Bruce, outfield magician Kevin Pillar, and former Indian Tyler Naquin have been linked. Even graduated Tiger Matt Joyce has been mentioned.

The Tigers did unfortunately say goodbye to Jonathan Schoop after his 1-year contract expired. Schoop turned in a solid effort in 2020 (.278/.324/.475 & 1.8 WAR) and appears to be trying to parlay that into a multi-year deal elsewhere.

Returners Jacoby Jones, Niko Goodrum, Victor Reyes, Jeimer Candelario, Willi Castro, youngster Issac Paredes, and pitchers Spencer Turnbull, Tyler Alexander, Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jose Cisnero, Daniel Norris, and Bryan Garcia look to continue to improve on solid 2020 showings with Rule 5 pick Akil Baddoo tossing his name into the mix.

While the Tigers do in fact look very bad on paper, I wouldn’t rule them out of existence in 2021. A new skipper who knows how to win (in more ways than allowed), a talented core of starters, a decent and young bullpen, a couple new veterans who should provide a stable presence in the clubhouse, and some everyday players who simply ‘grind’ while on the diamond could make the Tigers more surprising than the ‘analysts’ and ZiPS think.

Every 2021 Tiger baseball game is on News/Radio WBRN 1460AM & 107.7FM including most Spring Training games.

First game is February 26th. Opening day is also the Home Opener versus Cleveland on April 1st.

Weather

Local High School Schedule & Scores

CSAA Baseball

TUESDAY 4/2/24

Reed City @ Evart - 4:00pm & 6:00pm

Harrison @ Chippewa Hills - 4:00pm & 6:00pm 

Tri-County @ Greenville - 4:15pm

Lakeview @ Vestaburg - 4:00pm

 

WEDNESDAY 4/3/24

Petoskey @ Big Rapids - 4:00pm & 6:00pm

 

THURSDAY 4/4/24

Reed City @ Kingsley - 4:15pm & 6:15pm

Chippewa Hills @ Farwell - 4:15pm & 6:15pm

 

FRIDAY 4/5/24

Big Rapids @ Cadillac - 4:00pm & 6:00pm

 

SATURDAY 4/6/24

Mason County Central @ Reed City - 1:00pm & 3:00pm

Greenville @ Central Montcalm - 10:00am & 12:00pm

 

 

CSAA Softball

TUESDAY 4/2/24

Reed City @ Evart - 4:00pm & 6:00pm

Harrison @ Chippewa Hills - 4:00pm & 6:00pm 

Tri-County @ Greenville - 4:15pm

Lakeview @ Vestaburg - 4:00pm

 

WEDNESDAY 4/3/24

Petoskey @ Big Rapids - 4:00pm & 6:00pm

 

THURSDAY 4/4/24

Reed City @ Kingsley - 4:15pm & 6:15pm

Chippewa Hills @ Farwell - 4:15pm & 6:15pm

 

FRIDAY 4/5/24

Big Rapids @ Cadillac - 4:00pm

Greenville @ Central Montcalm - 4:00pm & 6:00pm

 

SATURDAY 4/6/24

Mason County Central @ Reed City - 1:00pm & 3:00pm

This Week's Poll

What place will the Tigers finish in the AL Central?