2022 Detroit Tiger's Season Preview - kdutch98's Dynasty

kdutch98's Dynasty Blog

2022 Detroit Tiger's Season Preview

Posted on April 2, 2022 at 11:32 PM.

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For the Detroit Tigers, the 2021 season was one of ups and downs. On May 7th, the Tigers sat with a 9-24 record. From that point on, they won 68 and lost 61. That finish gave fans a sense of hope, and optimism. Hope and optimism that the Tigers could possibly compete for a playoff spot in the 2022 season. General Manager Al Avila stated that the Tigers are "no longer in rebuild mode." The Tigers were ready and willing to open the wallet, and go all in in free agency.

The Tigers first goal was to sign a frontline starting pitcher. Eduardo Rodriguez agreed to a 5 year, $77 million contract to come to Detrot. Rodriguez won 19 games for the Red Sox in 2019. He did not pitch in the Covid shortened 2020 season, but returned last season to post a 13 win season. But, the Tigers weren't finished there.

Detroit courted shortstop Carlos Corea, but were ultimately rebuffed. The Tigers then turned to shortstop Javier Baez, who agreed to a six year, $140 million contract. Baez is coming off of a rebound season with the Cubs and Mets, hitting .265 with 31 home runs. Baez will not walk much, and he strikes out a lot, but he will hit for power, and drive in runs. He also plays stellar defense. He will be a huge improvement over last year's options at short. The Tigers rounded out free agency by signing starter Michael Pineda. However, Pineda had visa issues, and won't be ready for the start of the season. He is expected to join the rotation in Mid April.

If the Tigers are going to compete for the playoffs, and possibly a divisional championship, they will need improvement from several standout young players. Pitchers Casey Mize, and Tarik Skubal had up and down seasons as rookies. If they can improve, the Tigers have a chance to make some noise. Mize has outstanding stuff. He is a future ace, but can he put it all together in just his second season? Skubal started poorly, even being demoted to the bullpen at one point. But he rebounded to finish strongly. If Skubal can limit the walks, and home runs allowed, he could be a very good #2 or #3 starter. Then there is Akil Baddoo. Baddoo was chosen by the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft. A longshot to get much playing time, Badoo impressed in the spring, and then continued through the entire season. Baddoo hit .259 with 13 home runs. He also played really good defense. If Baddoo can improve in his second season, the Tigers will be in good shape.

The Tigers will also need to get some contributions from a pair of top prospects. Centerfielder Riley Greene, and first baseman Spencer Torkelson have a ton of potential. Both teams made the Tigers out of spring training. Both should contend for Rookie of the Year honors.

Lost in the shuffle of the offseason, was the trade for Red's catcher Tucker Barnhart. Barnhart doesn't hit much, but he is highly regarded as one of the best defensive catchers, and pitch framers in the game. Pitchers love throwing to him. Having him behind the plate should make the Tigers that much better.