Detroit Tigers Postseason X-factors Preview in Cleveland

As the Detroit Tigers fight to win the AL Central Division for the first time since 2014, the focus is turning toward the playoffs. The Tigers have a 99% chance to win the division, but this team's first-half record (50-31) or the record at the All-Star break (59-38) set expectations higher than just getting to the dance. The Tigers have had slumps on offense (Riley Greene, Javier Baez, Gleyber Torres), bullpen issues (Tyler Holton and Drew Sommers), and starting pitching woes (Charlie Morton, Chris Paddack, and Sawyer Gibson-Long).

As they go into the postseason, the Detroit Tigers are figuring out who their X-factors are. They know that Tarik Skubal, Kerry Carpenter, Green, and Torres will need to continue to play at a high level, but who are the next tier of players that need to step it up?

Photo by Gary Shear on Unsplash

Detroit Tigers Postseason X-factors

Jack Flaherty

If Jack Flaherty can become the pitcher the Tigers signed him to be, or even come close to that, Detroit will be a tough out in the playoffs. Three of his last five outings have been solid, featuring 5+ innings with one run or less allowed. The other two did not work out that way. If he can keep the team in games for 5-6 innings, he elevates this team from good to great.

Casey Mize

There is clearly a pattern here. Casey Mize performed at an All-Star level in his first 16 starts, posting a 3.15 ERA and nine wins. His August became one to forget. In September, Mize has two wins in 11 innings of work with 11 Ks and 3 ERs. If he can elevate himself to the number two starter for the postseason run, all the criticisms of the top pick from the 2018 draft will disappear.

Spencer Torkelson

The 2020 top pick has also changed his narrative. The Tigers need Torkelson to provide power from the right side. In 2025, he has 28 homers and 72 RBIs. The Tigers have Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter in the middle of the order. Torkelson makes it three home run threats. If he performs well, Green and Carpenter see better pitching. Ultimately, the Tigers need Tork to play well for them to compete with Toronto, Seattle, and Boston.

Parker Meadows

Parker Meadows has struggled with injuries this season. If he ever plays a full season, he'll win a Gold Glove for his play in centerfield. Going into the postseason, the Tigers will need him to continue his September success at the plate (two homers and one double for a 345 average and 992 OPS over eight games). Meadows can revive the Tigers' offense with his speed as well. They've missed him this year.

Javier Baez

As unlikely as a return to All-Star form is, is it any more improbable than how he did it through the first half of the season? Baez had 11 homers and 39 RBIs at the break, hitting 275 with a 752 OPS. Since then, he has one homer and has hit 215 with a 530 OPS. His play at shortstop and centerfield remains valuable, but if Javy can have "one last dance" as an elite player, the Tigers' postseason could be magical, too. If he did so, he whole narrative around him and his contract would be flipped on its head. He could even significantly elevate Al Avila's reputation.

Overall, the Tigers need some power from the right side and at least two reliable starting pitchers behind Skubal. Wenceel Perez, Dillon Dingler, Zach McKinstry, and Colt Keith could all end up on this list, but the Tigers have the most to gain from the play of the five players above.

(All stats provided by Baseball Reference)

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