Detroit Tigers: Way too early 2022 roster predictions

The Detroit Tigers are winding down the 2021 season and it has been a reasonably enjoyable ride. However, the looming off-season is setting itself up to have some definite roster madness if they start to pursue marquee upgrades to contend in 2022.

The possibilities are widespread. Fans and columnists have been speculating about the Detroit Tigers making a huge splash for an elite shortstop in this year’s market for well over a year.

A.J. Hinch has been stoking speculation with quotes seemingly targeted toward free agents about the bar being raised in Detroit and now is the time to hop on.

Chris Ilitch has mentioned more than once he’d be ready to be aggressive when the time is right. If not now…when? We’ll see if the “fire inside to compete” he touted himself as having is for real or just the rumblings of a bad food truck decision.

Justin Verlander and his brother Ben have talked about a Tigers reunion at various times. As exciting as that prospect is…does it make sense?

The new CBA is going to be fought over this winter as well…what kind of monkey wrench does that throw into the mix? Will it give owners the excuse not to spend? Right now, we don’t know. I do suspect “service time manipulation” will get addressed with some satisfaction landing on the side of the union. This could get Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson to Detroit soon.