Tigers’ World Series buzz just got a major credibility boost

The Detroit Tigers are hosting the Chicago Cubs for a three-game set this weekend, setting the stage for a potential World Series preview. Entering play on Saturday, they have the best record in baseball. The Tigers have a record of 42-23, and the team right on their heels is the Chicago Cubs.

When Bleacher Report unleashed their bold takes following the first 60 games of the season, it was no secret that the Tigers were going to get a mention. But the take went far beyond that, labeling them as the best team in Major League Baseball. And they got some serious support from a World Series stat that should have Tigers fans ready to buy their tickets this October.

"But let's put some respect on Detroit's name. Four of the last five World Series champions won at least 37 of their first 60 games, and the Tigers have been a notch better than that," Kerry Miller wrote for B/R.

The number suggest the 2025 Tigers' World Series buzz is real

The math speaks for itself. Based on that stat shared by Miller, the Tigers are in the same category as teams who won the World Series in past seasons... which is funny when you consider most oddsmakers don't have the Tigers among the most favored teams to achieve that goal despite their hot start to the season. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets, as was the case this offseason, remain the teams with higher odds than the Tigers.

This would be the reason why this weekend's series against the Cubs is an important litmus test for the Tigers. If the Tigers can continue their success against one of the other best teams in baseball, the case can be made that they should emerge as the favorites, especially with all the injuries the Dodgers are dealing with right now.

Of course, that doesn't take this year's trade deadline into account. That juncture of the season should present the Tigers with an opportunity they haven't had in recent years; being buyers with the intent of removing the doubt and declaring themselves ready for the World Series.