Why the Tigers’ Silence on This All Star's Future Is Concerning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 5:21 PM ET

Riley Greene is just 23 years old and already an All-Star. He a part of the heartbeat of a young Detroit Tigers team that suddenly looks like a legitimate contender. So why haven’t the Tigers talked to him about an extension?

According to The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, there hadn’t been any dialogue between the Tigers and Greene’s camp as of this past offseason. That silence feels less like strategy—and more like a missed opportunity.

This is the kind of player you lock up early.

Greene is no longer just a promising piece of the Tigers' future, he’s become the engine of their playoff push. He earned his first All-Star selection with a breakout season that’s put him among the American League’s most productive hitters. He’s hitting .296 with 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, and a .892 OPS through his first 86 games. That OPS ranks in the top ten in the league, and he’s fourth in all of baseball in RBIs. He’s playing like a cornerstone. Now the question is whether the front office is ready to treat him like one.

Stavenhagen points out some concerns the Tigers have. Greene’s sprint speed is declining—from the 59th percentile last year to the 34th this season. His injury history is not insignificant. As Stavenhagen wrote: “He’s great. But a lot of people are concerned about how he’s going to age.”

That’s a risk with any player, but to replace his value will be expensive on the trade or free agent market.

Greene is only getting more expensive too.

If you’re Detroit, this is the rare window where you can bet on a star early—and possibly save money long-term. Let it go too long, and you either overpay later or risk losing him altogether. This is the kind of indecision that cost the Tigers talent in the past. It’s not a new problem—but it shouldn’t still be happening.

If the Tigers are serious about building something sustainable, it’s time to start talking.

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

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