Are the Tigers Built to Survive an October Showdown with the AL’s Best?

That’s where things get interesting. Before the Tigers took on the Twins on Sunday night, ESPN’s panel of experts - Bradford Doolittle, Jeff Passan, Tim Keown, and David Schoenfield - sees the New York Yankees as the biggest threat in the American League. Not because they’re perfect, but because they have frontline arms in Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, a deeper lineup, and more October experience. 

Passan said the Yankees have more ways to win right now.

Schoenfield didn’t disagree, but he threw the Houston Astros into the mix too. The Astros just swept the Phillies while holding them to one run in three games. They’ve got Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, and a bullpen built for postseason survival. If Yordan Alvarez gets going again, that team’s ceiling goes up even more.

Detroit’s best path to the World Series starts with Skubal. 

Doolittle argued he’s reached that rare zone where you’re surprised when someone scores off him. If he cancels out a Yankees ace—or outduels Houston’s—it becomes a bullpen and matchup series. That’s where A.J. Hinch can shine.

But the margin is thin. 

The Yankees and Astros have been here before. This young Tigers team is  still earning its stripes.  If this is the year, it’ll be because Skubal shoved, the bullpen held, and Detroit proved it could outlast the American League’s most playoff-tested rosters.

Until then, the question stands. Are they ready for that level?