ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney thinks that the Detroit Tigers will be an improved team in 2024, but he does say that their chances hinge upon the continued development of their young position player core.
He made the comments this week on 'The Brady Farkas Show' and you can hear them here.
"I would agree with you on the Tigers. The big question about them is what kind of offense do they get out of their young position players?"
Olney is certainly correct about that, as the team will continue to lean heavily on the development of outfielder Riley Greene and first baseman Spencer Torkelson. Furthermore, they also are likely to debut top prospect Colt Keith at the outset of the season. Outfielder Parker Meadows could also be on the verge of a big season.
It also wouldn't hurt if shortstop Javier Baez had a bounceback season, but that's not looking likely thus far in spring.
Detroit finished second in the mediocre American League Central last season and is looking to make a big jump. In addition to the young position player core, they also will be counting on healthy seasons from several pitchers who are back in the fold.
After spending much of the season in 2023 injured, Matt Manning is back and healthy. Casey Mize is back after missing the entire season and Tarik Skubal should have a full year under his belt. Finally, the team also added veterans Jack Flaherty and Kenta Maeda this offseason.
Detroit opens up the season on March 28 against the division-rival Chicago White Sox. We already know that Skubal will pitch in that game.
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