Three questions facing the Detroit Tigers this offseason

The Detroit Tigers entered 2026 as a favorite to reach the postseason.

The rotation, fronted by Tarik Skubal and free-agent signee Framber Valdez, was expected to be one of the best in the American League. Top prospect Kevin McGonigle added an infusion of youth into what could potentially be a dangerous lineup. Because the AL Central was generally regarded as a weaker division, the Tigers seemed set for another trip to the postseason.

Everything came crashing down when Skubal was injured. The Tigers were 18-17 when Skubal was scratched from his start on May 4 and underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. They lost 21 of their next 25 games to fall out of the postseason picture by the time he returned on June 13.

The Tigers have a lot of work to do if they are going to return to the playoff hunt. Let's look at three questions facing Detroit this offseason.

Three questions for the Detroit Tigers

1. Can the Tigers rebuild the rotation?

Skubal and pitcher Casey Mize were traded ahead of the deadline as the Tigers fell out of contention. Fellow starter Jack Flaherty is a free agent following a disappointing second stint in Detroit. Franchise legend Justin Verlander missed most of the season and retired. While Valdez and Troy Melton are a solid duo to build around, the Tigers have a lot of work to do to rebuild the rotation.

While Keider Montero performed well filling in for various injured starters and is likely to be a part of the 2027 rotation, the Tigers need additional help. Melton and Valdez have shown flashes of being a viable staff ace, but the Tigers need to add another top-of-the-rotation starter. A durable veteran innings eater would provide stability for the back of the rotation. 

2. Who plays second base on Opening Day?

The Tigers signed Gleyber Torres to a one-year make-good contract during the 2024-25 offseason. He played well enough to receive the Qualifying Offer the following offseason, a decision that panned out when Torres was on the diamond. Overall, Torres posted a solid .257/.361/.378 batting line in his 1048 plate appearances for the Tigers, hitting 24 homers and 35 doubles as he proved to be a catalyst atop the lineup.

However, Torres will be a free agent this offseason. Although there are other intriguing second basemen who could also be on the open market in Jazz Chisholm, Brandon Lowe and Luis Arraez, that quartet will also be among the top players available in a weak free-agent class. The Tigers may have to pay a hefty amount to either bring Torres back or add another free agent at second base.

3. Can the Tigers trust first baseman Spencer Torkelson?

Torkelson has continued to tantalize the Tigers with his power potential since hitting 31 homers as a rookie. He has also been frustrating given his cold streaks and inconsistency at the plate. The 2026 season showed both sides of Torkelson as he posted a disappointing .208/.305/.413 batting line with 16 homers over his 371 plate appearances before the All-Star Break. Torkelson heated up in the second half, posting a .265/.369/.471 batting line with 10 homers in 241 plate appearances.

Torkelson remains a question mark as he is set to enter his sixth season in the majors. He could be a difference maker in the lineup if he can replicate his second half numbers over a full season. The problem is that he has yet to show that consistency offensively. There is no questioning his potential, but the Tigers may not be willing to wait much longer for Torkelson to take that next step forward.