Austin Konenski
The Detroit Tigers enter the 2026 MLB season with high expectations. After falling to the Seattle Mariners in the AL Division Series in 2025, Detroit made several upgrades throughout the offseason. Most notably, the Tigers signed pitchers Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, and Kenley Jansen.
Will the Tigers finally win the AL Central? Could Tarik Skubal become the first AL pitcher to win three straight Cy Young awards? Will Detroit wins its first World Series since 1984?
Below, we dive into 10 bold predictions for the Tigers during the 2026 MLB season!
Kenley Jansen reaches 500 career saves
Jansen will reach 500 career MLB saves during the 2026 season. Jansen, who is expected to share the closing role with Will Vest and others, needs 24 saves to reach the 500 milestone. The 38-year-old closer ranks fourth all-time in MLB saves and will immortalize himself by recording his 500th save in 2026.
Colt Keith hits 20-plus home runs for first time
Colt Keith hasn’t produced as expected in MLB; however, that will change this season. In 2026, Keith will hit 20-plus home runs while driving in at least 75 runs. The Tigers third baseman hit 13 home runs in 2024 and 2025, but the extra pop in power hasn’t emerged yet. Keith is ready for a breakout season and the Tigers hope a 20-plus home run campaign is on tap.
Gleyber Torres stays healthy, produces All-Star season
Gleyber Torres was an All-Star second baseman in 2025; however, his production dipped down the stretch due to an injury. However, Torres will bounce back during the 2026 MLB campaign, staying healthy and making the All-Star team again. The 29-year-old second baseman is ready to help lead the Tigers back to the MLB Postseason.
Riley Greene limits strikeouts, hits 40-plus home runs
Riley Greene struck out 201 times during the 2025 MLB season, but that won’t continue into this season. Greene will limit his strikeouts with better plate discipline while hitting 40-plus home runs. The Tigers outfielder will breakout and become one of the favorites to win the AL MVP. Greene is ready for his breakout moment, and it could come in 2026.
Framber Valdez bounces back with sub-3.00 ERA
Valdez was Detroit’s biggest addition in free agency, and it will pay off with a speculator season. Valdez will have a sub-3.00 ERA and be in the top 5 for AL Cy Young Award voting. After a disappointing 2025 MLB campaign, the former Houston Astros ace is ready to roll in Detroit. Even though Valdez is behind Skubal in the rotation, he will post No. 1 starting pitcher numbers.
Justin Verlander pitches well with a sub-4.00 ERA
Verlander’s return to Detroit will be successful. Verlander will avoid the Injured List while posting a sub-4.00 ERA over the course of the 2026 season. The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner will have his moments, but it won’t fall off the rails. Verlander is back where he belongs with the Tigers, and he will end up starting in the postseason.
Kevin McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year
Kevin McGonigle made the Opening Day roster and should produce as expected. McGonigle will be a middle-of-the-order bat in the Tigers lineup and win the AL Rookie of the Year Award. The 21-year-old shortstop will have a slow start but heat up in the summer months. McGonigle is ready for the big leagues and will prove why Detroit promoted him.
Tarik Skubal wins third straight AL Cy Young Award
Skubal will join a very prestigious list in 2026. The Tigers ace will win the 2026 AL Cy Young Award in spectacular fashion, becoming the first AL pitcher to win the award in three straight seasons. Skubal will join Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson as the only MLB pitchers to ever win three straight Cy Young awards.
Detroit Tigers win AL Central for first time since 2014
For the first time since 2014, the Tigers will win the AL Central. Detroit enters the 2026 MLB season as the heavy favorites to win the division, and it will live up to those expectations. In fact, the Tigers will be a top-2 seed in the American League, earning a bye in the Wild Card round for the first time in the new format.
Detroit Tigers lose in 2026 World Series to Los Angeles Dodgers
Detroit will make the 2026 World Series; however, it won’t end with a trophy. The Tigers will lose to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games despite strong performances from the rotation. The Tigers offense will fall short of expectations, outside of McGonigle and Greene, leading to major changes during the 2026 MLB offseason.
