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The Detroit Tigers were the shocker of the postseason last year. They sold at the deadline before making it as a Wild Card and then upset the Houston Astros. They made it to Game 5 of the ALDS before losing, but they clearly have a bright future. Here are the five moves they must make now to continue their upward trajectory.
What the Tigers must do now
5) Sign Ha-Seong Kim
Ha-Seong Kim would make a very useful addition. The Tigers have prioritized players with versatility, so it's a good fit. He can play second base, third base or shortstop. Only second base is truly claimed by Colt Keith right now.
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Kim is only 29, so he is young enough to mesh with the young Tigers core. He is also young enough to warrant a multi-year deal at a lower cost, something the Tigers will likely appreciate.
4) Trade Javier Baez
It's time for Detroit to find some way out of Javier Baez's nightmare contract. He's been one of the worst players in baseball since joining the Tigers, and they can't afford to play him or pay him any longer.
Baez will be a difficult sell since he's struggling and expensive, but the Tigers should try to find a way out. It's probably not worth DFAing him, but they should take any deal they can land to get him out of Detroit.
3) Sign Justin Turner
Justin Turner would be a perfect addition to the 2025 Tigers. He can play first and third base, two spots the Tigers could absolutely use some depth at. His veteran leadership would be great alongside the young players at those spots, namely Spencer Torkelson.
Turner would be ideal because he will be a cheap, short-term investment. He won't tie up a lot of money, and he provides depth so the Tigers can see what they have at those two positions. Then, they can make a decision on the long-term pieces at the infield corners.
2) Sign Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman had his best year, by far, in 2019. He played then under current Tigers manager AJ Hinch. It would be a perfect reunion, and he would give the Tigers a star to build around.
Bregman will cost a lot, but he plays a position the Tigers aren't exactly set at. Jace Jung had a solid season, but Bregman is still an upgrade. He'd also be a huge veteran presence for such a young team. His postseason prowess would be a big addition, too.
1) Sign Corbin Burnes
Maybe it's a longshot, but the Tigers need another ace. Their pitching staff for much of the second half and the postseason was Tarik Skubal or bust. That's not a recipe for success, so they need another pitcher.
Fortunately, Corbin Burnes is still available. He'd be a phenomenal right-handed option to pair with Skubal at the top of the rotation. It would arguably give them the best one-two duo in baseball, so it's worth the potentially high cost.
