Before you get too excited, no, Chris Ilitch has not decided to sell the Detroit Tigers or the Detroit Red Wings.
That being said, during an exclusive interview with Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News, Ilitch made a statement that Tigers fans have been waiting for.
When asked by Wojo if the rebuild is over, Ilitch answered confidently.
One hundred percent, yes. We’re at the stage now where we need to keep building and building. Are we gonna be in the playoffs? I hope so. I don’t know. And if we are, outstanding. And if we’re not, then we’re gonna get right back after it and be aggressive.
It’s an exciting stage, a fun stage. I’m so fired up about this team, so optimistic. We laid out a strategy very early in the process — build the infrastructure, starting with analytics, better scouting, better drafting, identify good young players, better player development. Once we had that great young talent — (Casey) Mize, (Matt) Manning, (Tarik) Skubal, (Akil) Baddoo, (Riley) Greene, (Spencer) Torkelson — we said we’re gonna fill in through free agency.
Ilitch also thanked Tigers fans for their patience during the rebuild.
We’ve all endured a lot through the pandemic. Tigers fans have endured not only the pandemic but this rebuild. The thing I would say to fans is, thank you for your patience and your passion.
Nation, do you think the Tigers can make a run at the playoffs in 2022, or are they still a year away?
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