The Detroit Tigers took big strides in 2021 under new manager AJ Hinch, going 69-66 when the calendar turned to May and giving fans reason to hope that they're ready to take the next step.
Of course, they've made a handful of additions this offseason, including two-time Gold Glove winning catcher Tucker Barnhart and short stop Javier Baez as well as LHP Eduardo Rodriguez.
What's in store for 2022?
1. Both Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson make the Opening Day roster
The future looks bright for the Detroit Tigers with the continued development of two of their top prospects in Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene. They both impressed last year while suiting up in Double and Triple-A ball, and are poised to take the next step in their careers.
2. Casey Mize emerges as a top starting pitcher
Mize impressed last year for the Tigers, making 30 starts combined with a 3.71 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He's only going to get better as his career continues.
3. Akil Baddoo won't repeat performance of 2021
While he exploded out of the gate in his rookie season, Baddoo cooled off considerably as the season went on. One positive is that his 2.1 bWAR was the highest of any Tigers rookie since Austin Jackson in 2010, but will fans be clamoring to buy his player cards next season?
4. The Tigers challenge for a Wild Card spot
The Tigers could have challenged for a Wild Card spot in 2021 had it not been for their poor 9-24 start to the season. They'll hit the ground running in 2022 and can find themselves right in the swing of things if they continue their upward trajectory they gave their fans in 2021.
5. Jeimer Candelario earns contract extension
The player known as the “Candy Man” has earned two consecutive “Tiger of the Year” awards, and led Major League Baseball with 42 doubles in 2021. Don't be surprised to see his next contract see him land double of his $2.85 million he made last season.
