Scott Harris Claims 2023 will be the Detroit Tigers Last Year As “Sellers”

 According to reports, Tigers’ President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, says the team will be more competitive it 2024.  So much so, it is Harris’ contention that the Tigers have most of the pieces in place to compete in the American League Central Division.  He believes the team has improved enough to potentially take over the top spot. As of now, many of the team’s key contributors are performing at a high level, but can they continue that over the long haul next season.  This would mean the likes of Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Javy Baez would need to remain healthy for an extended period, something they have been unable to do in the past.

In order to be buyers next season, the team would not only have to rely on the current producers of this campaign, but add some firepower to ensure the lineup is as potent as possible.  This would include adding some power hitters, as well as, guys who could hit for average.  Expecting the current roster to put the team over the top is a bit much to ask. Performing at a consistent pace is impossible for this group of players.  How Harris will rectify this problem remains a bit unclear.

Upgrading the team’s hitting prowess needs to be at the top of the priority list.  Not only do we need to add personnel that can hit for power and average, but we need a squad that is more selective at the plate.  This year, hitters swung at way too many pitches out of the strike zone, leading to too many strikeouts and unnecessary outs.  To help alleviate these issues, we can only hope that Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are able to perform at a high level more consistently.  If this occurs, along with one or two high profile additions, this team will likely be able to take the top spot in the American League Central Division.

Another facet of the game where the Tigers need to vastly improve in 2024, is defense.  This entire season, this team has experienced too many inexcusable errors in the field.  From throwing errors to dropped balls,   all have cost the team dearly this year.  Not being able to execute fundamental plays has likely cost the Tigers several victories this year, maybe enough to prevent them from competing in this lackluster division.  Tolerating errors from elite players like Javy Baez can no longer stand, either he improves early next year or part ways with him.

Though Scott Harris expects to compete next season, if he finds himself unable to acquire the right players in the offseason, the Tigers fate will be similar to this season.  So, hopefully he is able to put some actions to his words, and help this team ascend to greatness.  He needs to begin to annunciate some specific strategies he is using to make this team better.  Thus, this would allow the team and community to develop confidence in his ability to operate this ball club.  So far, his performance has been less than stellar with his inability to deal Eduardo Rodriguez, or any other of our valuable bullpen pieces, for players that could improve our future.