DETROIT TIGERS (86-75), 2ND, AL CENTRAL
uSeason snapshot: The Tigers returned to contender status after sinking to the bottom of the American League Central last season after four consecutive division titles from 2011 to 2014. But the Tigers finished second to Cleveland as they dropped 14 of 18 meetings with the Indians. While Detroit stayed in contention until the final day of the season for a wild-card berth, it wound up falling just short. Righthander re-emerged as the ace of the pitching staff, going 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA in 34 starts while racking up an AL-high 254 strikeouts in 2272⁄ innings.
was second in the league with 44 saves after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade. Second baseman had a fine season, including setting a franchise record by leading off eight games with a home run.
uWhat now: While the Tigers have an aging roster and probably should look to get younger, owner fired president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski last season after he traded veterans for younger players. Ilitch is 87 and desperately wants to win a World Series. Thus, general manager will go into the offseason looking to strengthen the roster in an attempt to make another run at the postseason in 2017. The Tigers need pitching depth in the rotation and bullpen.
uFree agent focus: The Tigers’ bullpen has been a perennial problem, so they are likely to exercise Rodriguez’s $6 million option for next season. Despite missing a significant amount of time because of a thumb injury, center fielder
played so well that the Tigers have to strongly consider picking up his $9 mil- lion option for 2017. Backup catcher
is a possibility to return, but the only way third baseman
and infielder figure to be back would be on minor league contracts. uProspects to watch: Right-hander
a 21-year-old native of Puerto Rico, will have an excellent chance to win a bullpen job in spring training after compiling a dazzling 1.51 ERA and 30 saves in a combined 55 appearances with high Class A Lakeland (Fla.), Class AA Erie (Pa.) and Class AAA Toledo (Ohio) this season. Third baseman-outfielder 24, made his major league debut late in the season after hitting a combined .257 with seven home runs and 13 stolen bases in 99 games with Erie and Toledo.
John Perrotto