After a less than stellar 2022 season for the Detroit Tigers, it was hoped that 2023 season would see significantly better results. Thankfully. due to the consistent pitching and a more than serviceable offense, these hopes came to fruition. These two facets of the game allowed this team to beat inferior teams for the most part. If a carry over effect occurs in 2024, along with slight improvement, a division title will not be far off.
One of the most encouraging aspects of this team is the apparent progression of the young talent. The likes of Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, among others, have made dramatic strides that will be immeasurable in making the Tigers successful well into the future. In 2023, Spencer Torkelson has smashed 29 homers, and driven in 90 runs. As for Riley Greene, in his injury shortened campaign, has amassed 109 hits, good for a .288 Batting Average. It is vital for both of these guys to stay healthy to maintain sustained success going forward. Furthermore, the young pitching must build on the progress that was accomplished in the 2023 season. With solid pitching and a continued consistent offense, the things this ball club could achieve are unknown.
Without a doubt, to attain the desired goals for any Major League team, it is imperative to play well away from your home field. This means playing .500 or better on the road. For the first time in quite awhile, the Tigers were able to accrue a 41-40 record on the road. This is a first step to becoming a great team. However, their downfall was playing 10 games under .500 at Comerica Park. To be elite, it’s important to play well over the break even mark on home turf. To compete for a division next season as expected, this team needs a repeat road performance, and an improved home record. Whether this occurs or not, depends on how well our young corps can play.
Beating division foes is a must when competing for titles of any kind. No, the Tigers are not a championship caliber team as of now but, they are quite possibly the second best team in the American League Central Division. This is due to the fact that they have bested every division opponent in each respective season series. Obviously, the Tigers haven’t done enough to compete with the best teams, but it would appear they have progressed in the right direction to do so in the future.
Though this season hasn’t ended the way many fans would like, the team has taken dramatic steps to meet the goals that everyone would like them to achieve. To say this team has improved greatly would almost be an understatement. From 30 games under .500 to at least 10 games under this season, is a much better improvement than anyone expected. As a result, it’s likely that modest improvement is all that’s needed for the Tigers to be division leaders in 2024.
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