3 Tigers who weren't on fans' radar in March but could become playoff X-factors

After a playoff appearance that resulted in their ousting in the ALDS in 2024, the Detroit Tigers have converted themselves from an upstart young team to a legitimate contender in the American League during the 2025 season.

That ascension has been due in large part to contributions and improvements from unexpected players. Now with the regular season winding down, some of those players who weren't on fans' radar as potential contributors in March are poised to become major X-factors as Detroit looks to make a deep postseason run.

3 Tigers who have emerged as playoff X-factors in 2025

Zach McKinstry

Entering the season, Zach McKinstry was one of the most hated players on the roster, thanks in large part to a lengthy history of complete offensive ineptitude. A hot start to the season earned McKinstry an All-Star selection as an injury replacement, blowing the minds of Tigers fans who had long written him off.

A summer swoon saw McKinstry struggle in July and August with an acceptable but not great .731 OPS over those two months combined. He's turned it back on since the calendar hit September, however, with a .350/.391/.600 line through his first 23 plate appearances this month.

Most importantly, and the reason why McKinstry could be one of the biggest X-factors, is his versatility. The 30-year-old has logged time at every defensive position other than catcher this year, which has been critical for the Tigers to survive injuries and poor performance at several different spots. That versatility will allow Detroit to get him into the lineup wherever needed in the postseason, while ensuring they get their best nine on the field at all times.

Spencer Torkelson

At the outset of spring training, it wasn't even a guarantee that Spencer Torkelson would make the Opening Day roster. The former first overall pick's time in Detroit seemed to be circling the drain after a 2024 campaign that saw him regress from 2023's 33-homer barrage and post a 91 wRC+.

Making matters worse, the signing of Gleyber Torres seemed to upset the infield apple cart, and his claiming of second base made many assume that Colt Keith would slide over to first, leaving Torkelson without a position to play.

Torkelson might not be the generational type of superstar many envisioned when he debuted in the Tigers' system back in 2021. With that said, he still has immense raw power and a keen eye for drawing walks, even if he whiffs a little too often and struggles with the hit tool.

He's a guy who can go on a rampage if he gets hot, and should that happen this October it would bode very well for the Tigers' fortunes.

Casey Mize

Speaking of former first overall draft picks who have disappointed, many were ready to run Casey Mize out of town after injuries and inconsistency had more or less derailed his career.

2024 saw Mize attempt to make his comeback from Tommy John surgery, only to be lost for the year again, thanks to a hamstring injury that limited him to 20 starts in which he posted a 4.49 ERA.

However, this season, as shocking as it may seem, Mize has been the most consistently available and productive starter behind ace Tarik Skubal. Jack Flaherty hasn't recaptured the same magic that he found in Detroit in the first half of last season; top prospect Jackson Jobe is on the shelf after undergoing Tommy John surgery himself; and Reese Olson has been limited to just 68 2/3 innings as he works his way back from a shoulder injury.

With 25 starts in which he's posted a 3.83 ERA, Mize would likely line up as the No. 2 starter behind Skubal in a playoff series, and his ability to get outs a variety of ways doesn't make that a bad thing.