Detroit Tigers: Potential X-Factors for the 2017 Season

1 of 4

Mar 16, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) reacts after hitting a home run with starting pitcher Daniel Norris (right) against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers fans will see a similar team on Opening Day. While the likes of Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera will still be key, here are some other potential X-factors.

Detroit Tigers teams in years past have been led by some standout players.

From Ian Kinsler and Justin Verlander, to Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, Detroit certainly hasn’t been lacking impact performers.

After an offseason that saw just Cameron Maybin dealt, those same impact players will return.

Last season, Detroit just missed out on a return trip to the playoffs.

While last year’s core could very well propel the Tigers back into the postseason, the team will need other players to step up as well.

With so few roster spots up for grabs, there aren’t many candidates to choose from outside the roster.

However, there are plenty of players who either didn’t perform well last season, or didn’t get much playing time who could make an impact.

If the Tigers can get solid contributions from everyone on the roster, they have a chance to make some serious noise moving forward.

Here are three players who could become X-factors for the Detroit Tigers heading into the 2017 regular season.

Home/Detroit Tigers News