One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 27, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) pitches in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers: Win one for Mr. Ilitch!

Sadly, legendary Detroit sports figure and owner of the Tigers, Mike Ilitch passed away last week. Under Ilitch’s watch, Detroit rose up from the ashes and went to two World Series. They lost both, and it was Ilitch’s stated goal to win a title before he died. During his tenure as owner, the Tigers were able to spend whatever it took to field a winning team, and Ilitch was beloved by everyone in the organization and Detroit.

Heartbroken hearing of Mr I's passing. He was a family man. A self made man. A giving man. An icon for our city and nation. #RIPMrIllitch
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 11, 2017

As Ilitch aged, his desire to win a World Series did influence the way his team was constructed. The Tigers have one of the most expensive rosters in baseball, and shortly after trading away David Price and Yoenis Cespedes for prospects while the team struggled in 2015, Ilitch authorized the spending of nearly $250 million to sign Jordan Zimmermann and Justin Upton. The Tigers have an aging roster without much to show in the farm system, which led to the belief that another round of rebuilding could happen this summer.

The death of Ilitch may spur the organization to push all their chips to the middle of the table in an effort to “win one for the Gipper” in 2017. Instead of trading away pending free agents like Ian Kinsler or J.D. Martinez, the Tigers may instead decide to make a run at a big bat or arm if they are close to contending. With a weak AL Central, the Tigers have a very good chance of reaching the postseason just by virtue of beating up on their division mates. With plenty of talent still on the roster and a dangerous offense, a Detroit team on a mission could be very dangerous.

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