When the dust settled on the offseason, the Detroit Tigers emerged as one of the most active teams in the league. After a relatively quiet start to the offseason, the Tigers made some late moves that have the potential to greatly impact their upcoming season. With the addition of two veteran free agent pitchers, the Tigers have positioned themselves to be serious contenders in the American League.
The first big move for the Tigers came when they signed Framber Valdez, a former left-hander for the Houston Astros. Valdez, who had a breakout season last year, is expected to bring a strong presence to the Tigers’ starting rotation. His impressive 2020 campaign included a 3.57 ERA and 76 strikeouts in just 70.2 innings pitched. Valdez’s ability to consistently throw strikes and keep hitters off balance makes him a valuable asset for the Tigers.
But Valdez wasn’t the only addition to the Tigers’ pitching staff. In a surprising move, the Tigers also brought back veteran right-hander Justin Verlander. The former Cy Young award winner spent 13 seasons with the Tigers before being traded to the Astros in 2017. Verlander’s return to Detroit has sparked excitement among fans and players alike.
Verlander, who turned 38 in February, may be entering the latter years of his career, but he is still a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Last season, he had a 2.58 ERA and 300 strikeouts in 223 innings pitched, proving that he still has what it takes to dominate in the majors. His leadership and experience will also be invaluable to the young Tigers team.
With the addition of Valdez and Verlander, the Tigers’ pitching staff is looking much stronger than it did just a few months ago. The two veterans will join a rotation that also includes promising young arms like Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal. This combination of experience and youth has the potential to be a winning formula for the Tigers.
But the Tigers didn’t just focus on their pitching staff this offseason. They also made some key moves to improve their offense. They signed outfielder Robbie Grossman, who had a career-high .826 OPS last season with the Oakland Athletics. They also traded for infielder Jonathan Schoop, who had a solid season with the Tigers in 2020, hitting .278 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs in just 44 games.
These additions, along with the return of Miguel Cabrera and the continued development of young talent like Willi Castro and Victor Reyes, have the potential to make the Tigers’ lineup a formidable one. With a strong pitching staff and an improved offense, the Tigers are poised to make some noise in the American League this season.
Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly how the season will play out. But one thing is for sure, the Tigers have made some bold moves this offseason that have put them in a much better position to compete. And with a new manager in A.J. Hinch, who led the Astros to a World Series title in 2017, the Tigers have the leadership and experience to guide them to success.
The return of Verlander to Detroit has also added a sense of nostalgia and excitement for fans. He was a fan favorite during his time with the Tigers and his return has reignited the passion and hope of the fan base. With a strong team and the support of their loyal fans, the Tigers are ready to make their mark on the 2021 season.
In conclusion, the Detroit Tigers have made some impressive moves this offseason that have solidified their position as a team to watch. The addition of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, along with other key signings, have made the Tigers a more well-rounded and competitive team. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented young players, the Tigers have the potential to surprise many and make a run for the playoffs. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Tigers, and fans can’t wait to see what this team is capable of achieving.
