The Detroit Tigers became one of the best stories in baseball in 2024. After having just a 0.2% chance in early August to make it to the postseason, the Tigers turned it up a notch and became one of the best teams in baseball the last month-and-a-half. Because of that turnaround, the Tigers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Despite the good vibes and feelings surrounding Motown, here are the reasons why the Tigers won’t be winning the World Series this season.
Someone other than Tarik Skubal is going to need to start
Unfortunately, Tarik Skubal can’t pitch every playoff game for the Tigers. Skubal won the AL Pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228). However, behind Skubal, the Tigers have serious question marks with their rotation. If Casey Mize, Reese Olson, and Keider Montero are unable to pull their weight, it will be a very quick playoff appearance for Detroit. Maybe they shouldn’t have traded Jack Flaherty?
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Who is providing offense outside of Riley Greene?
Riley Greene is a superstar-in-the-making. He made his first All-Star team this season at the age of 24. He finished the regular season with 24 home runs, 74 RBI, 82 runs scored, an .827 OPS, and 133 OPS+. But, outside of Greene, it might be tough to put runs on the board. Kerry Carpenter returned from injury and played well, but counting on bats like Colt Keith, Spencer Torkelson, and Matt Vierling in the playoffs could be a tall task.
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Can the Tigers’ bullpen remain dominant?
One of the big reasons for the Tigers’ run was because of their bullpen’s dominance. Guys like Sean Guenther, Jason Foley, and Tyler Holton stepped up, but if the Tigers are going to count on every bullpen arm to be perfect, that’s a lot to ask for. Tigers starters outside of Skubal might be getting a quick hook if they get in trouble, so the Tigers could be seeing a multitude of bullpen games in the playoffs.
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Can Parker Meadows keep up his momentum?
The Tigers went on their run when young outfielder Parker Meadows returned from the injured list on Aug. 3. According to The Athletic, the Tigers went 49-26 when Meadows started this season. He plays outstanding defense and is someone opponents will need to watch on the bases. If the Tigers are going to have a chance, they will need Meadows to play at his best.