The Detroit Tigers have hit a major bump in the road with star pitcher Tarik Skubal heading to the injured list, but don't count them out just yet. While losing one of baseball's elite arms stings, this roster has the depth and resilience to defend their AL Central crown.
As of Thursday, the Tigers sit in second place in the division with an 18-20 record. After a strong start with a series win in San Diego, Detroit has gone 16-19 since, battling a wave of injuries to their starting rotation. Skubal is out for several months following surgery, joining Justin Verlander and Casey Mize on the IL. On top of that, Framber Valdez is serving a suspension for throwing at Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story. The front office is expected to explore trade options to fill the void left by Skubal, but the team's core strength lies beyond the mound.
The AL Central is more competitive than it has been in years. Several teams have stepped up, but none have made a World Series run since the Guardians lost in 2016 (following the Royals' 2015 championship). The Twins have fielded competitive postseason teams without being real threats, and the White Sox, after years of struggles, are finally showing signs of life. Still, Detroit has the edge.
What makes the Tigers the team to beat? It starts with a deep, dangerous lineup. Riley Greene is building on an impressive 2025 campaign, already on pace for a repeat performance in 2026. He's hitting .296 with four home runs, 19 RBIs, 10 doubles, and an .854 OPS. But Greene is just one piece of a balanced offensive attack that can produce runs even when the pitching staff is banged up. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Tigers have the firepower to outslug their division rivals down the stretch.
Yes, the pitching staff has taken a hit, but Detroit's bullpen remains strong, and the offense is built to carry the load. Add in a front office that has shown a willingness to make moves at the deadline, and there's every reason to believe the Tigers will be playing October baseball. The AL Central is up for grabs, but Detroit has the best all-around roster to get the job done.