Tigers need to focus on these areas to upgrade in free agency after 2024 season

Making the playoffs was a pleasant surprise for the Detroit Tigers in 2024, and it truly was a team effort. There were multiple games where every active batter played and the bullpen took on every challenge AJ Hinch threw at them. It was impressive.

But it's safe to say the Tigers have holes in this roster. There is always room for improvement, even on superteams like the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees.

Earlier in the season, play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti came on the Valenti and Rico show via 97.1 The Ticket claiming, "I don't know where you could fit in a free agent bat in this lineup." That is a grossly irresponsible statement especially after watching this team for a full year. So where can the Tigers look to improve this offseason?

Detroit Tigers Free Agency: Where should team invest after 2024 season?

Starting Pitching

Tarik Skubal cannot be your entire rotation. Keider Montero showed potential as a back-end starter this season, but nobody else showed anything worth saving a roster spot for. One would have to assume that top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe will be in the rotation on Opening Day, given his addition to the playoff roster. Kenta Maeda is not a viable option to have on the payroll, let alone as a starting pitcher. Casey Mize has been through contractual and injury torture for years now, so to see him walk away for a fresh start would not be overly surprising. Matt Manning looms in the minors, but the Tigers seem to want to stay away from him in the big-league rotation.

Despite Brant Hurter's dominance in the bullpen, he, Ty Madden, and Brennan Hanifee seem average at best. There are options out there this offseason, though. A reunion with Jack Flaherty is an option, since he is familiar with the organization. Corbin Burnes would be a nice addition but will most likely be out of the Tigers' price range. More realistically, Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves is available and could come as a discounted star option after some injuries in 2023. Alternatively, the Tigers could look at the rival Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Beiber to deepen the rotation.

Corner Infielder/Right-Handed Batter

The corner infield positions are a mess. Spencer Torkelson spent most of the season in Toledo and did not show huge improvements once he was recalled. Even in the postseason, he was 4-for-21 with one RBI. That is not overly promising. Third base is not much better. Jace Jung got a cup of coffee with the team, and it was mostly bad. He hit .241 in the regular season but with very little power. He also had four errors in 27 games. That translates to 24 errors over a full season, which would rank fourth-highest in MLB last year. The Tigers shouldn't give up on him, but he is not ready just yet.

A right-handed batter to pair with Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter would be great to fill one of these positions. Christian Walker of the Diamondbacks, Alex Bregman of the Astros, and Pete Alonso of the Mets would be the big splashes at these positions.

Closer

The bullpen was a major strength this year for the Tigers, but a lockdown ninth-inning man would help regulate some roles in the bullpen and make Hinch's life much easier. Jason Foley is good, but not great. If this team gets to the postseason again, we want to make sure that there is someone we can hand the ball to in the final inning with extreme confidence.

Padres southpaw Tanner Scott is the top available option and would be a great addition to the bullpen, not only for the closer role but also as another lefty. Otherwise, Carlos Estevez from the Phillies may help shore up the back end of the bullpen, even if it isn't necessarily the ninth inning.

Either way, there needs to be a bit more bullpen stability, and that can easily be solved in free agency.