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Detroit Tigers: 10 reasons to be excited for the season

By Rob Low

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 7: A general view of Comerica Park during the tribute to former owner Michael Ilitch during the opening day celebrations prior to that start of the game against the Boston Red Sox game on April 7, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 7: A general view of Comerica Park during the tribute to former owner Michael Ilitch during the opening day celebrations prior to that start of the game against the Boston Red Sox game on April 7, 2017 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 30: Shane Greene #61 of the Detroit Tigers pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning during of their baseball game on September 30, 2017, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Andy King/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 30: Shane Greene #61 of the Detroit Tigers pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning during of their baseball game on September 30, 2017, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Andy King/Getty Images) /

Who is the next to go?

As mentioned already, Fulmer and Iglesias are among several Detroit Tigers who have come up in trade rumors this offseason. Shane Greene is one of the more likely options to be shipped elsewhere. The righty posted a 2.66 ERA in 67.2 innings in 2017, and could really help shore up a contender’s bullpen.

A couple veterans on the last year of their deals could be intriguing to contenders, too. Francisco Liriano just signed last week, but if he has a good year he could be flipped. Same goes for Victor Martinez as long as he proves he can still hit.

Which youngster(s) will burst onto the scene?

All the trades Detroit has been making have helped restock the farm system with young talent. Trying to figure out who will make an impact and when in the majors is next to impossible.

While many of the top prospects are in the lower levels of the system, guys like Dawel Lugo, Beau Burrows, or Grayson Greiner could make their big league debuts this summer.

There’s also the trio of prospects acquired in the Justin Verlander deal. All three are very highly thought of and we could start to see them late in the year, too.

Who will be the #1 pick?

The rough 2017 season netted the Detroit Tigers a potential franchise-changing asset, the first pick in June’s draft. With most of the high school and college seasons still to play, it’s too early to speculate on who the Tigers might select.

Nothing is guaranteed in the draft, but many recent number one overall selection have turned into franchise players. Examples from the last 10 drafts include Bryce Harper, Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, and 2017 World Series Champion Carlos Correa.

The only other time Detroit had the number one overall pick was in 1997. That year, they selected hard-throwing right-hander Matt Anderson.

Anderson never quite lived up to the billing, posting a 5.19 ERA in seven Major League seasons. Not exactly the sort of franchise-changer teams is looking for at the top of the draft.

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