The Detroit Tigers recently missed the postseason in the 2026 season and are searching for answers on how to return to the postseason in 2027. Here are some keys to how Detroit can return and go further in October overall and where the team can make upgrades and improvements.
Detroit Tigers Blueprint: 3 Keys on How the Team Can Get Better Overall
1. Upgrading the Starting Rotation
The Tigers’ starting rotation had a solid 3.55 ERA, but the starting rotation could use some more upgrades to make it even better for the 2027 season and possibly return to the postseason.
The starting rotation was led by left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, who was the ace of the starting rotation before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, a free agent, signed before the 2026 regular season began. Valdez slotted into an ace-like role after the departure of Skubal and could be the ace of the team in 2027. Behind Valdez was right-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe, right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander, and right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty.
Right-handed pitcher Casey Mize was also part of the rotation before being traded to the San Diego Padres.
The Tigers could use another arm in the rotation, possibly by re-signing Skubal. Skubal is set to be a free agent at the conclusion of the season. Another starting pitcher signing or two would help as well to lengthen the starting rotation and again help fill the voids left by Mize and Verlander.
2. Upgrading an Inconsistent Detroit Bullpen
Detroit’s bullpen was not horrible, just inconsistent, due to the fact that this bullpen couldn’t close out games and was second in blown leads in Major League Baseball. The bright spot here is that the bullpen had a 3.84 ERA. Not horrible, just an inconsistent bullpen.
This problem can be fixed by adding more arms to the bullpen. The Tigers were right behind the Washington Nationals, with the Nationals having 42 blown saves this season, with Detroit having 32 blown saves in the 2026 season. For the in-house options, Left-handed pitcher Tyler Holton and right-handed pitcher Jacob Waguespack could help fix the issue in 2027, as they were able to help the struggling bullpen. Waguespack had a 2.47 ERA and was the best reliever and the most reliable reliever. Free agency could also be an option to help out the bullpen.
The Tigers could again dip into free agency to upgrade over closer Kenley Jansen, who struggled in high-leverage situations and had an uneven season, to strengthen the back end of the bullpen as well.
Fixing an inconsistent bullpen would really help out the team for the 2027 season.
3. Adding More Offensive Production to the Lineup
The Tigers’ offense was not terrible by any means, but the team could use another big bat or two in the lineup for more offensive production, as there have been times when there have been power outages in terms of getting hits and scoring runs. Injuries did not help, of course, such as losing third baseman Javier Baez in late April, and it’s no secret that Baez is a big contributor to the lineup. The injuries and inconsistencies contributed to a 6-24 record in the month of May.
American League Rookie of the Year and shortstop Kevin McGonigle could be part of this improvement for the lineup for the 2027 season. McGonigle had a .278 batting average, along with 18 home runs.
Overall for the team in 2026, the team’s batting average was at a .241 overall, which ranked 18th overall. The Tigers also had 181 home runs. Improving the lineup from the 2026 season would go along way for this franchise next season.
The Last Word
Overall, there are several areas to upgrade if the Tigers want to compete, make it back to the playoffs, and advance further than they did back in 2025. The front office must navigate an uncertain offseason just like every other franchise, but they actually need to step up and make a splash move.
Main Image: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
