The Detroit Tigers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010, but could bounce back in 2016 with the right moves this offseason.
Everyone around baseball knew the eventual demise of the Detroit Tigers was coming, but nobody expected it to be this soon.
The Tigers entered the 2015 season having won four consecutive AL Central titles and were again projected to finish near the top of the division or even make a deep playoff run. Instead, the Tigers fell apart after a strong April and slid all the way to last place in the division, finishing with a record of 74-87.
Detroit was well out of the race by the trade deadline and was forced to sell off pieces like Yoenis Cespedes and David Price. General manager Dave Dombrowski was fired after 14 very successful years, as assistant Al Avila took over a club with plenty of talent but more question marks.
With some lofty contracts attached to aging stars and a barren farm system, Detroit appears to be in for an extended rebuild. All of a sudden, the Tigers’ situation is beginning to look a lot like what the Philadelphia Phillies have been going through over the past couple of years.
Still, the Tigers aren’t likely to blow it up this offseason. The star power to make another run is still there, as fully healthy seasons from Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Justin Verlander and others could have changed things.
Owner Mike Illitch is desperate to bring a World Series to Detroit, and won’t be afraid to add payroll or long-term risk to do so. The Tigers will be in play for many of the top available free agents, and could be right back in contention if they land a couple and stay healthy in 2016.
Detroit has a few players eligible for free agency, including longtime starting catcher Alex Avila, outfielder Rajai Davis, reliever Tom Gorzelanny, starting pitcher Alfredo Simon, and starting pitcher Randy Wolf. Avila will not be coming back in all likelihood, and the bullpen could get a complete overhaul. Predictably, the Tigers have already exercised the $1 million buyout on reliever Joe Nathan’s contract.
With a couple of clear holes on the projected 2016 roster, the Tigers will be at the forefront of the MLB Hot Stove.
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