Detroit Tigers Playoff Roster Prediction: Too Early Edition

The Detroit Tigers still have some work to do in the regular season. The magic number is now 7. They still have a 6.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians heading into their three-game series this week. The Tigers' bullpen has shown marked improvement in September, and the starting pitching is starting to take shape. The team clearly has no worries (even if you think they should). Manager A.J. Hinch structured his rotation to have Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Tarik Skubal pitch in this pivotal series that could have a playoff atmosphere to it.

The Tigers would love to clinch their first AL Central Title since 2014 during the season's final homestand. A sweep would clinch the division as early as Thursday, September 18, because the Tigers would have a 9.5 game lead and the season series victory secured, meaning that if they lost every game and Cleveland won every game, the tiebreaker would go to Detroit.

This article examines what the Tigers are looking at as the season comes to a close and uses that to create a too-early Detroit Tigers playoff roster prediction. Their sights are set on loftier goals than getting to the postseason. So, if the playoffs started today, who would be in and who would be out?

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

Detroit Tigers Playoff Roster Prediction: Too Early Edition

Starting Pitching (5)

Tarik Skubal/Casey Mize/Jack Flaherty/Keider Montero/Charlie Morton

The first three are the obvious predictions. Likely back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is the only "sure thing" the Tigers have going into the final stretch. Casey Mize has thrown back-to-back strong games, with only 3 ERs and 11 Ks in 11 innings. Flaherty's most recent outing (5 innings, 1 ER, 7 Ks) provides some confidence in his role as the third starter. Of course, he's been inconsistent, so his next three games should provide some answers.

Keider Montero has actually put together a solid year as a starter. The Tigers' decision to explore other options (Chris Paddack and Sawyer Gibson-Long) has been confusing. Montero has a 3.55 ERA as a starter. Perhaps that is strong enough to earn a rotation role for the remainder of the season. The final starting spot is Charlie Morton. Hopefully, the Tigers will stick with three or four starters and commit to some pitching chaos with an expanded bullpen instead. A Reese Olson return appears unlikely, and Paddack hasn't proven himself enough to earn a spot on this roster.

Bullpen (8)

Will Vest/Tommy Kahnle/Tyler Holton/Rafael Montero/Brennan Hanifee/Troy Melton/Bailey Horn/Kyle Finnegan

Will Vest, Kyle Finnegan, Tyler Holton, Brennan Hannifee, and Troy Melton appear to be the only locks. The next tier is Tommy Kahnle and Rafael Montero. Both have had recent stretches of strong outings and poor outings. Bailey Horn should be in the category, but Brant Hurter has returned. Hannifee has been sent down, but he should be back. Then, they have Jose Urquidy. It feels unlikely that the Tigers won't carry him after the way the organization has touted him for months.

That's where the pitching chaos option comes in. Will the Tigers consider not carrying Keider Montero and Charlie Morton to make space for Hurter and Urquidy? Or does Rafael Montero become the one on the outside looking in? It certainly seems possible that pitching chaos will return for the postseason. The starters are protecting them from overusage. If this divisional race gets tighter, don't be surprised if Morton becomes more of an opener.

Catchers (2)

Dillon Dingler/Jake Rogers

Dillon Dingler has been one of the Tigers' breakout players this year. The team's second-half woes have overshadowed his importance to this team. He leads the Tigers' position players in WAR. Jake Rogers does Jake Rogers stuff. Great behind the plate and hits the occasional homer.

First Base (1)

Spencer Torkelson

A year ago, Spencer Torkelson's role within the organization seemed to be nearing its end. After a strong season with solid power numbers, Torkelson has established himself as a middle-of-the-order hitter and a solid first baseman.

Second Base (1)

Gleyber Torres

His All-Star season still doesn't receive enough credit, but Gleyber Torres has helped turn the Tigers into one of the AL's best teams.

Third Base (2)

Colt Keith/Andy Ibanez

Neither Colt Keith nor Andy Ibanez has been an everyday third baseman (a foreign concept to Detroit). Keith has continued his improvement, being moved from 2nd to 1st to 3rd. Ibanez has crushed left-handed pitching since his return to the Majors. He'll play as a pinch hitter once again.

Shortstop (2)

Zach McKinstry/Javier Baez

Zach McKinstry and Javier Baez were both All-Stars this season but have cooled off at the plate. Still, they both provide positional versatility. Baez's ability to play in center helps with Matt Vierling's injury. McKinstry can play anywhere. Trey Sweeney bats left and provides some solid play at shortstop, but he hasn't been able to hit.

Leftfield (2)

Riley Greene/Jahmai Jones

Riley Greene is finishing up a career year: 34 home runs and 104 RBIs. Jahmai Jones has been the team's most consistent pinch hitter against left-handed pitching. Keeping Vierling off the roster will be difficult, but unless he returns soon and starts hot, he won't be on the team.

Centerfield (1)

Parker Meadows

Parker Meadows has been a star since returning. In limited action (8 games), he has two home runs, six RBIs, and 10 hits. His defense alone would have secured a spot on the team. If he can keep up this offensive production, he could be an X-factor in October.

Righfield (2)

Kerry Carpenter/Wenceel Perez

Kerry Carpenter is the Tigers' best power hitter. He crushes the ball. He can also pinch-hit against a right-handed pitcher. Wenceel Perez takes second place for most-improved Tiger. He improved at the plate, hitting from both sides, and his outfield play has improved as the season progressed. His switch-hitting makes him valuable to Hinch.

The Detroit Tigers Postseason Hopes

The pitching has mostly come around. Check back in a week. The hitting has seen some lulls, but the power from Greene, Carpenter, and Torkelson could help in the postseason. Through the order, power may also come up big. The Tigers have nine players with at least 10 home runs, and they have nine players with at least 15 doubles, including five with 20+.

(All stats provided by Baseball Reference)

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