Detroit Tigers: 3 things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

There's more to be thankful for with the Detroit Tigers then it seems.

The Detroit Tigers may be taking a day off to watch the Lions demolish the Green Bay Packers, but they will get back at it soon enough. The off-season is in full swing. While the dominoes have not started falling at a high rate, things will happen soon as players begin to sign and trades continue to come down.

However, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we will discuss a few things that Detroit Tigers fans should be thankful for. While it may not seem like there is much, given the many pessimistic fans out there- and rightfully so- we'll pick a couple of things that should make fans happy.

So, whether you catch this one in the morning before your food coma or later in the day when you're full of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing, try to keep an open mind. The Detroit Tigers may have left a sour taste in many fans' mouths with their performance and their struggles, but focus on some of the good things.

Especially since there are some new faces in charge. While Scott Harris and his regime have been around and in control for a year, the Tigers are working to change things. Even with a tasking rebuild that drones on, there are things to be thankful for. While some may disagree or fail to see it, the team is moving in the right direction, even if it's a very slow pace.

That being said, let's dive into three things to be thankful for about the Tigers.

Detroit Tigers fans should be thankful for Miguel Cabrera.

Miguel Cabrera's career as a Detroit Tigers player may have ended, but fans have to be thankful for the crazy ride it was. This summer, he played his final game, had his final moment, and exited as a Tigers hero. While that may be the past, fans should take a moment and be thankful for all of the memories that Cabrera provided.

Even in 2023, during his last season in the big leagues, Cabrera found ways to wow people. Whether it was more historic accolades, good at-bats, or funny moments during pregame gift ceremonies, Miggy did it all. The Detroit Tigers fans should be happy with how Cabrera capped off his career.

While it may not lead to anything moving forward, his time in Detroit was undoubtedly special, and it's time to be thankful for all Cabrera brought to the Tigers. His many great seasons, his career accolades, historic moments, and, of course, his personality have brought many great memories to Detroit fans.

Though Cabrera's playing days are over, the Tigers legend is staying with the organization. He has retired from Major League Baseball and will join the Tigers as a special assistant to the front office. So, for those who are upset about Cabrera's time in Detroit being over, he's still around and will be working with the organization as his playing days have ended.

Plus, with Cabrera retiring, it opens up a roster spot. As sad as it is, Cabrera's usefulness was pretty limited in the end. He was only useful as a designated hitter (DH), and now the Tigers will have another spot freed up as they continue to try and work through this lengthy rebuild.

But one more time for Thanksgiving, thanks, Miggy!

Detroit Tigers should be thankful for the new regime in charge.

Lastly, the Detroit Tigers may be in a tough spot. They may have plateaued in their efforts to rebuild, with plenty more of the mountain to climb. But they have a lot more to give and a lot more work to do. They will have their work cut out, but Detroit Tigers fans should be thankful for the new regime.

I know this one will ruffle some feathers because some folks are quite pessimistic about things. However, Scott Harris and the new regime in Detroit have done an excellent job of working with the resources they do have. The issue is not Harris; the problem is above him.

The Tigers will not sign Shohei Ohtani or spend a boatload on free agency, mostly because Chris Ilitch is not exactly forking over the cash to do so. He needs to give Harris the resources he needs to be successful. This is speculation, as something official has yet to be said, but it's got to be hard for Harris to make moves with a limited budget backing him.

Though Harris is doing an excellent job of trying to build a team that will be able to find success on a budget, Tigers fans should be thankful that this new regime is doing what it can. With Avila and company in the past, there were a lot of issues that needed to be fixed.

For the new regime, they have worked to try and change some of those things. Harris and company inherited a lot of things, with minimal resources to make changes. So, while it's frustrating that the rebuild has taken this long and frustrating that there's been a lack of progress, the expectations have to be within reason.

This Thanksgiving, Tigers fans should be thankful that the new regime is working to improve the organization, finally reach the summit of the rebuilding mountain, and get out on the other side of things as a competing team.