What the Detroit Tigers' 2022 roster looks like entering '20-21 offseason

What the Detroit Tigers’ 2022 roster looks like entering ’20-21 offseason

Jeimer Candelario #42 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of game two of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on August 29, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled for August 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to Friday's postponed game, Robinson will be honored during todays game. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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Matt Manning of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Spring Training game against the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park on February 23, 2020 in North Port, Florida. The Tigers defeated the Braves 5-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Projected Detroit Tigers 2022 rotation

SP — Casey Mize (RHP)

SP — Matt Manning (RHP)

SP — Tarik Skubal (LHP)

SP — Spencer Turnbull (RHP)

SP — ???

It does not take a big leap to say that the potential to have a stable of young, high-quality starting pitchers is where the Tigers hang their most hopes.

We all witnessed the shortened 2020 season, of course. We know they didn’t exactly hit the mound to a chorus of oohs and ahhs. In fact, even with the exciting young starters getting plenty of time, the Tigers have one of the worst rotation ERAs in the majors.

In this case, stuff should win out. We all just have to acknowledge (hope) that the strangeness of the preparation time for 2020 and the shortness of the season means we should take the numbers with a grain of salt.

That said, not every prospect is going to stick around, and the likelihood of either Matt Boyd and Michael Fulmer anchoring 2022 seems unlikely. It seems far more likely that they’ll bounce back enough to become tradeable, or they won’t and that will make them strong non-tender candidates rather than paying them.

If neither of those things happens, I’d give the edge to Fulmer remaining with the team.

For now, let’s just assume at least one veteran signing occurs. They could probably use another left-handed starter.