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

So, I am actually writing this? The Detroit Tigers, the team that I have been so critical of for how long, making the postseason? Someone will read this article and laugh hysterically, and I may do the same at times, but let's do this. After all, the Arizona Diamondbacks were in the World Series last year.

The Detroit Tigers had a generally quiet offseason after finishing second in the AL Central behind the Minnesota Twins last year. I was unimpressed by this finish, but an AL Central crown was not that far out of their reach. Will they make a run if they win the AL Central? No. Will they make the postseason if they win the AL Central? Yes, and that is what this article is talking about -- winning the AL Central.

We know that the AL Central is the worst division in baseball, and it's not close. This division is winnable for a couple of teams, with some having better odds than others. So, what needs to happen for the Tigers to raise a division pennant? Let's talk through a couple of "keys to success" or "keys" for the Tigers for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Tigers have a chance at winning the AL Central division, but they are going to need some help.

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.