Detroit Tigers: Why veteran free agent signings are essential this offseason

2018

Based on the Tigers’ on-field product in September, the incumbent roster simply isn’t going to cut it.

Detroit hitters ranked 29^th in WAR, while the pitching staff checked in at 19^th in WAR.

Of course, the results in September aren’t going to repeat themselves exactly next season.

Michael Fulmer and Miguel Cabrera will both be healthy, while younger players like Joe Jimenez, Candelario and Jairo Labourt will likely take steps forward.

Still, the Tigers need players to bridge the gap from their current roster to the 2019 team, which could feature the likes of Franklin Perez, Christin Stewart, Beau Burrows, Grayson Long, Sandy Baez, Dawel Lugo, Matt Hall and potentially Kyle Funkhouser.

That wave of prospects will be the first of many to make an impact with Detroit, and propel the team back to contention.

Until then, Detroit needs players to bridge that gap.

While another league-worst record might be useful in the long run, there’s impact talent to be found in the draft other than with the first-overall pick.

What’s more, if the Tigers want to turn things around relatively quickly, it would be helpful to try and be somewhat successful in terms of winning.