Fansided

5 teams that won the MLB offseason

By Nathaniel Reeves

February 25, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during a spring training workout at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 25, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during a spring training workout at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws during the second inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws during the second inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Detroit Tigers 

The Tigers snapped a streak of four straight first-place finishes this season with a 74-87 mark, and the long-term future in Detroit looks very bleak. However, with an aging core of stars and an owner desperate for a title, most expected the Tigers to reload rather than rebuild in 2016.

This offseason ensured that Detroit will at least have a shot at that title entering the season. The Tigers addressed all of their biggest weaknesses at the expense of just adding payroll, making them a factor in the AL Central once again.

Easily the biggest prize was pitcher Jordan Zimmermann on a five-year, $110 million contract, a fair enough deal for a No. 2 caliber starter. With a healthy Justin Verlander and the young pitching the Tigers acquired at last year’s trade deadline in addition to Zimmermann, Detroit’s rotation has the potential to be strong this season after it was a mess in 2015.

While it didn’t receive the same amount of attention as the Zimmermann deal, the Tigers did a nice job of revamping their bullpen, which has been a huge weakness of the team for years. Mark Lowe, Justin Wilson and Francisco Rodriguez should help bring the Detroit bullpen to at least a respectable level, which will make a big difference.

Cameron Maybin was also a solid depth pickup for a thin outfield. The only question is whether or not the Tigers are done yet, as they have a hole in left field that Upton or Cespedes could fill.

If the Tigers add one of those two to their lineup, Detroit will have an argument as the most improved team in the MLB entering the spring. In any case, the Tigers were one of the primary winners of the offseason.

Next: 2. San Francisco Giants

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