After a lackluster start to the 2024 season, the Detroit Tigers overcame early-season struggles to spark an improbable turnaround that culminated in an ALDS appearance. This run captured the hearts of fans and showcased the immense All-Star caliber talent within the organization.
Last season, Tarik Skubal and Riley Greene earned their inaugural All-Star honors and set the tone for a promising 2025. There are a ton of other younger players (and veterans, if we're being honest) ready to make an impact in 2025. And who knows ... maybe we see a few more first-time All-Stars in Detroit come July when the best in the game take the field at Truist Park in Atlanta.
3 Tigers who could become first-time All-Stars in 2025
Jack Flaherty
Given the streaks of success on display during his career, it is surprising that an All-Star nomination has evaded Jack Flaherty. During his best season with the Cardinals in 2019, Flaherty posted a 2.75 ERA, earned a selection to the All-MLB Second Team, and finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting. Despite his success, the right-handed starter was not selected to participate in the Midsummer Classic.
After multiple seasons marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, Flaherty rediscovered his elite pitching talent in 2024 under Chris Fetter and company. The 29-year-old achieved a 2.95 ERA and tallied 133 strikeouts during the first half of the season in Detroit before being shipped to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline.
Despite winning a World Series with his hometown team, concerns lingered about Flaherty's inconsistent postseason performances and a dip in his fastball velocity. After signing a two-year, $35 million contract to return to the Motor City in 2025, Flaherty and the Tigers' coaching staff are looking to build on the momentum they established last season. If the return to Detroit emulates his initial stint, we may see a first-time All-Star nod for Flaherty.
Parker Meadows
After a difficult first half of the 2024 season, which included a demotion to Toledo and missed time due to a right hamstring injury, Parker Meadows proved he was an All-Star-caliber talent during Detroit's playoff push.
After the All-Star break, the talented 25-year-old found his confidence at the plate as he posted an impressive .840 OPS along with six home runs and five triples. His offensive presence was consistent in the postseason as well. With a team-leading seven outs above average (OAA), Meadows has proven invaluable as Detroit's center fielder.
GET UP PARKER MEADOWS π± pic.twitter.com/vn2cGV9jpW
β Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 8, 2024
His speed, athleticism, defensive range, and ability to rob home runs make Meadows a tremendous asset and highlight reel, a combination that may earn him an All-Star nod this July. Establishing a consistent presence at the plate and getting off to a hot start will be crucial for Meadows growth in 2025.
Only problem? He's limited with an injury right now, so he'll need to get to work fast when he returns in order to be considered for the ASG.
Colt Keith
Colt Keith made headlines last offseason when the Tigers signed him to a six-year extension before he made his major league debut. Despite a disappointing sub-.400 OPS during his first month with the Tigers, the 23-year-old eventually showed why the front office trusted him with such a lofty contract. His growing confidence at the plate was highlighted in July when he posted a .322 batting average to go along with seven home runs.
Defensively, Keith struggled at second base in 2024 after recording β8 defensive runs saved and 12 errors on the year. Earlier this winter, it was announced that he will be making the transition to first base in 2025. The Tigers are hopeful that a more forgiving defensive assignment can help Keith reach his full potential during his sophomore season. Β To make an All-Star roster, Keith will need to showcase his power at the plate, a trait that was on display during his 2023 minor league season when he bashed 27 home runs.