Detroit Tigers: Midseason Awards

Most Improved – Joe Jimenez

Anyone who followed Jimenez’s absolute dominance through the minor leagues knew that he had the potential to be a star. His 19 inning cameo in 2017 could not have gone worse however, as the young right-hander posted an egregious 12.32 ERA with a 2.11 WHIP and a 4.08 BB/9.

He has rebounded in a big way in 2018, and could find himself as Detroit’s All-Star representative. Although his last few outings have been rough, Jimenez still sports a 2.77 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP on the year. He also has a 44/9 K/BB ratio in just 39 innings, good for a stellar 10.15 K/9.

It’s hard to call his performance ‘improved’ as he always had the talent to be a late-inning reliever. But considering how atrocious his 2017 season was, it was widely expected that Jimenez may need a little more time in the minor leagues. At the very least, most had tempered expectations heading into 2018. Few would have projected he’d figure out major league hitting as quickly as he did.

With Shane Greene hitting the disabled list, Jimenez will get his first regular crack at the ninth inning duties. Should he succeed, there’s always a chance the Tigers will let him roll with the job even when Greene is back.

Greene is also a trade candidate this month, although his injury hurts his value. Still, the Tigers may move Greene if they get the right offer, giving the ninth inning to Jimenez full-time.