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Detroit Tigers: Best/Worst Case Scenarios for 2018

By Adam McIntosh

DETROIT, MI - JULY 16: Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers bunts to advance Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers to second base against the Toronto Blue Jays during the 11th inning at Comerica Park on July 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JULY 16: Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers bunts to advance Alex Avila of the Detroit Tigers to second base against the Toronto Blue Jays during the 11th inning at Comerica Park on July 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT – OCTOBER 14: A likeness of a tiger is seen on the top of the scoreboard during Game Four of the American League Championship Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics October 14, 2006 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
DETROIT – OCTOBER 14: A likeness of a tiger is seen on the top of the scoreboard during Game Four of the American League Championship Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics October 14, 2006 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

If the Detroit Tigers exceed expectations could they make a run at a wild-card bid?

This scenario isn’t as unlikely as it seems. The Detroit Tigers would have to exceed expectations for next season. FanGraphs projects the 2018 Detroit Tigers to go 72-90 next season, which is 8 games better than last season. It’s a significant number below what the team would need to win just to have a wildcard bid next season.

In all likelihood, a wild card bid would require 85+ wins, as the Twins were the #5 team in the AL playoffs last year at 85 wins. The Detroit Tigers only posted 64 wins last season, but they could exceed that in 2018 if the cards fall the right way.

Assuming the 2018 Detroit Tigers find a way to scrape together a wild-card bid, it would be a season beyond all expectations. No one expects the Tigers to make the playoffs next season. Not when they’re rebuilding, have sent off most of their veterans, and only posted 64 wins in the season before.

The 2017 Milwaukee Brewers are a case in point of performing above expectations. Despite not making the playoffs last season, there was a point late in the season when it seemed like a rebuilding team was serious contenders to make a wildcard bid. Something that bodes optimism for the 2018 Detroit Tigers.

There is, of course, brings up a worst case scenario for the 2018 Detroit Tigers. Posting 100+ losses.

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