Dontrelle Willis Predicts Team to Pull Off Playoff Upset Over Yankees

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael DeRosa | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 11:26 AM ET

The New York Yankees have had an excellent start to the 2025 MLB season. At the time of this writing, they sport a 37-22 record and comfortably sit in first place in the American League East standings.

Expectations heading into this season were very high for the Yankees, especially after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series last year. So far, the Yankees are not disappointing and once again look like legitimate contenders because of it.

While the Yankees are having a great season, former MLB pitcher Dontrelle Willis predicted that the Detroit Tigers will beat them in the playoffs this fall.

"I'm gonna say the Tigers because they are playing with conviction, and they believe in each other," Willis said. "I'm telling you the Tigers are going to be there, man. The Tigers are going to be a tough out. They are going to go up against the Yankees, and it's going to be a tough out, and I'm picking Detroit to get over the hump... I'm gonna predict the Gritty Kitties to get it."

“I’m gonna say the Tigers because they’re playing with conviction and they believe in each other.”@DTrainMLB is taking the Tigers over the Yankees this year pic.twitter.com/6jU11scN19
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 3, 2025

While it is undoubtedly bold that Willis is betting against a stacked team like the Yankees, the Tigers are certainly making their own case as legitimate contenders. The Tigers are thriving this season, as they have a 40-22 record and hold the first-place spot in the AL Central standings. They are also not showing too many signs of slowing down, winning seven out of their last 10 games.

It will be fascinating to see if Willis' prediction comes to fruition from here.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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