Tigers Rank 19th as Offseason Work Begins

Detroit’s season ended well short of its recent postseason runs. The Tigers finished fourth in the American League Central, missed the playoffs and traded players at the deadline after entering 2026 with expectations of contending for a deeper postseason run.

An early ranking placed the team 19th in baseball heading into 2027. The list’s top 10 consisted of playoff teams, led by World Series champion Milwaukee. Detroit’s position reflects a disappointing season, but leaves it within reach of moving higher.

A struggling bullpen and uneven offense were among the team’s problems. The Tigers have room to address the relief corps in free agency, with Kenley Jansen now a free agent and Jacob Waguespack back under a one-season contract. Young pitchers Keider Montero and Drew Anderson could also help in either the rotation or bullpen.

Detroit’s hitters showed sharply different results from month to month: the team went 6-22 in May and 15-9 in July. Kevin McGonigle, Riley Greene and Dillon Dingler were All-Stars, while a full season from Max Clark could provide a further lift. Other young players the team will look to include Eduardo Valencia, Hao-Yu Lee and Ben Malgeri.

President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has said Detroit will be active in free agency, though the club is unlikely to rely on it as its main way of building. Adding an established closer could help address the bullpen’s struggles. Will Vest’s availability is uncertain after two surgeries ended his 2026 campaign.