3 keys for the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Central

The Detroit Tigers need to continue their success against division rivals.

One major reason the Detroit Tigers came as close as they did to the division title last season was their success against other division teams. They finished with the best record against AL Central teams at a whopping 35-17 (.673). Those 35 wins contributed 45% of their total wins last season. This is one of the major advantages of being in a terrible division. Facing bad teams more often leads to an inflated record, and unlike college football, the strength of the schedule doesn't matter in this case.

When teams in the AL East have to face the Yankees, Orioles, and Rays, it poses many challenges. When teams in the AL Central have the pleasure of facing the Royals and White Sox, it can give a huge boost to morale and that ever-important number in the win column.

It is scary to think that nearly half of the team's wins came against division foes who are nowhere near the top of the league. This could pose a problem for the Tigers when they get into the postseason, but it could help get them to that point. It's one of those situations where it's great for the Tigers' regular season but problematic with any hopes of playoff success -- if they even get there.

The Detroit Tigers need to hope the other teams moves don't pan out as they could.

Despite the Tigers being quiet in the offseason, other teams in the division were not. The Tigers added Andrew Chafin, Shelby Miller, Jack Flaherty, Mark Canha, and Kenta Maeda. These are all relatively quiet and not overly impactful moves.

The Kansas City Royals were one of those teams that were bad last year but have true talent to build around. It starts with Bobby Witt Jr, who inked a long-term contract this offseason. The Royals went out to build around their star shortstop, acquiring the services of Hunter Renfroe, Adam Frazier, Seth Lugo, Michel Wacha, Kyle Wright, Will Smith, and Nick Anderson. That is a pair of all-star hitters that pair well with Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino, a few decent starters that can mentor young talent like Brady Singer while eating quality innings, and a closer in Will Smith, who just came from a World Series-winning Texas Rangers team. They have the potential to take major steps forward.

The Minnesota Twins also had a busy offseason. They grabbed Anthony DeSclafani from Seattle in exchange for Jorge Polanco. The Twins also acquired Manuel Margot from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Carlos Santana, who also joined the club, is still a productive DH. For a team that won the division, they may not have had to make too many moves but filled some holes that they had.

If these teams continue to move forward, the Twins could pull away from the Tigers, and the Royals may be able to leapfrog them.

The Detroit Tigers need to have a fully healthy team this season.

The Detroit Tigers were plagued by injuries last season. There was no shortage of injuries last season, from Riley Greene and Tarik Skubal to Casey Mize and Eduardo Rodriguez -- making it quite the long summer. The Tigers do not have the depth to recover from injuries. Losing a starting pitcher means dealing with Joey Wentz again, and an injury to nearly any position player means who knows who gets called up.

Some fans have called pitching coach Chris Fetter into question, with several starting pitchers getting injured. Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Matt Manning, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Alex Faedo make up an entire rotation worth of Tigers who were injured in 2023. These players need to have complete seasons for the Tigers to succeed.

With prospects Justyn Henry-Malloy and Colt Keith getting very close to MLB action, there is a bit of wiggle room for position players, but past that, things are looking bleak. Keith could become the starting second baseman by the All-Star Break, leaving even one less bat that could come through Toledo if there is an injury. A healthy team will be a better team for the Tigers. The good thing with the outfield is on top of some added depth, Greene should be in a position to produce success.