Category: Baseball

The tigers this season have been been KILLED by injuries AND even a SUSPENSION. I won’t be talking about the suspensions because that could be an entire different post. It feels like every series we have one starter get put on the 10 day if not even longer for example, the worst part is its not just pitcher OR hitters its both. With this there have been some confusing transactions that we have mad as an organization. The big one to me was when we called Jace Jung up for 2 days then proceeded to make a trade for a former tiger in Zack Short for cash considerations who proceeded to play in the bigs for 2 games then gets put sent down to AAA after clearing waiver because Zach Mckinstry came back from his IL stint. Oh and guess who got called back up after Gleyber Torres got put on his 10 day IL… if you guessed Jace Jung you my friend would be correct. Just a little head scratching if you ask me but hey what do I know

Here are the players on the IL for the Tigers

Starting with our pitchers we have

• Tarik Skubal
• Jackson Jobe
• Justin Verlander
• Troy Melton (has started a rehab stint)
• Reese Olson
• Connor Seabold
• Bailey Horn
• Beau Briske
• Will Vest

Now onto the fielder

• Javier Báez
• Trey Sweeney
• Gleyber Torres
• Parker Meadows

So if your wondering that is a whopping 13 players on the IL for us. If you were wondering how much of our salary is on the IL currently the percentage will come out to just about 40 FREAKING PERCENT.

Even with this the team has been able to stay around in the AL East partially because the rest of the AL east has been terrible. We need these guys to come back and come back sooner than later.

Yes that’s the title. You may be asking why, your answer is simple. HE’S ELITE. What can’t the kid do. For gosh sake he won the first al rookie of the month of the season and he was probably in consideration for player of the month with the stats that I will list here in a second

Kevin Mcgonigle’s Stats so far. And in () where he ranks within the American League

• Average: .315 (7th)
• OBP: .403 (10th)
• SLUG: .466
• OPS: .869
• WAR: 2.2 (4th)
• Fielding %: .972
• Hits: 41 (t-4th)
• Triples: 2 (t-1st)

Mcgonigle’s one real Knack on his way through the minors was could he stick on the left side of the infield and now we are really going too see with Jay Baez on the IL Zach Mckinstry just coming off the IL and there not really being any other option to play short. It’s time for the KID because he is ONLY 21 to prove the doubters wrong that he can be the future at short for the tigers. It’s clear that AJ Hinch and the front office believe he can or else they wouldn’t have given him the long term extension.

If you’re reading this pleas go follow me on X @grittykittys1 for daily Tigers news!

So I’ve came up with this idea after seeing what the Mariners did with the Icihiro Suzuki statue and I got to thinking what if the Tigers unveiled a new statue who would it be for and what would it be depicting so I’ve decided to ask some Generative AI websites what they think should be done and I will be giving them a rating on a scale from 1-10 (10 being the best)

ChatGPT: “The Calm Before the Swing” (Honoring Miguel Cabrera)

Pose & Design:

• Cabrera standing in the batter’s box at Comerica Park
• Bat resting lightly on his shoulder, not mid-swing
• Eyes locked forward, focused and calm
• Slight smile—capturing his personality, not just his stats

Why this works:
Most statues show action (big swing, big moment). This flips it—it captures anticipation, the moment before greatness happens. That’s more unique and honestly more powerful.

I give this 10/10 for the idea but 0/10 on the execution. Miggy is a top 5 player in the organization and absolutely deserves a statue to commemorate his achievements. BUTTTTTTT the picture they gave me doesn’t even look like him to begin with, look at the player and batters box anyone who has ever looked at a a baseball field knows its wrong.

Grok:

Here’s a new version of a potential Detroit Tigers statue for Comerica Park, this time based on a real player: Justin Verlander.

Verlander is one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history — a future Hall of Famer, multiple Cy Young winner, and longtime ace who helped bring the Tigers to the World Series in 2006 and 2012. He’s a strong candidate for a future statue (alongside names like Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, or Max Scherzer).

I generated this as a dynamic bronze-style pitching statue in a classic Tigers uniform, mid-delivery on the mound, with his signature high leg kick and intense focus.

Here’s a new version of a potential Detroit Tigers statue for Comerica Park, this time based on a real player: Justin Verlander.

Verlander is one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history — a future Hall of Famer, multiple Cy Young winner, and longtime ace who helped bring the Tigers to the World Series in 2006 and 2012. He’s a strong candidate for a future statue (alongside names like Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, or Max Scherzer).

I generated this as a dynamic bronze-style pitching statue in a classic Tigers uniform, mid-delivery on the mound, with his signature high leg kick and intense focus.

I like this one, and I think its very good so I’d give it a 10/10 for the idea and 10/10 for the actual statue. He may even get one in 2-3 years. Back to back Cy Young winner and near the top in all major pitching stats for the Tigers so he definitely deserves one.

-Kalen Miler

Detroit Tigers Spring Training Update: Top Prospects to Watch

The Detroit Tigers always use spring training to get ready for the season. Every year in February and March the team practices in Lakeland at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. This is a time for players to show what they can do. Veterans are getting ready for Opening Day. Young players are trying to make a good impression.

The Tigers have a farm system. In 2026 spring training has given fans a look at some players who could be important for the teams future. Outfielder Max Clark, infielder Jace Jung and shortstop Kevin McGonigle have all done well in games and practices. Lets take a look at what some of the top prospets and a guy that may make the opening day roster.

Max Clark

Max Clark is one of the exciting young players on the Tigers. He was picked third in the 2023 MLB Draft. Clark is fast and good at getting on base.

In 2026 spring training games Clark has had a few chances to hit. He has two hits in 15 at-bats with a.133 batting average, one RBI and two runs scored. His on-base percentage is.188.

Clark is still 21 years old and does not have much experience. The Tigers are working with him on how to hit against top pitchers and how to play defense.

Clark is good in the outfield. He is fast. Can catch fly balls. If he keeps getting better he could play in the leagues soon. Probably not this year unless something dramatic happens which it definitely could with the possibility of a Skubal trade lingering.

He has also made the news for wearing a lot “bling” on the field. Personally I don’t care what he wears. Its like the motto “Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good”.

Jace Jung

Jace Jung is another player who is doing well. He was picked in the first round in 2022 by the tigers. Jung is good at getting on base and hitting home runs. Though he has struggled when he’s gotten the chance to play in the bigs. In his 149 career plate appearances with the big club he has hit just .190 with 0 yes you read that right 0 homers, and he has struck out 45 times

In his 15 at-bats of spring training Jung has four hits, a.267 batting average, two RBIs and two runs scored. His on-base percentage is.313.

Jung has been better lately. He has looked comfortable hitting and is driving the ball well. The Tigers are working with Jung on playing defense. They have tried him at third base. If he keeps hitting he could be important for the Tigers. Could he be the missing piece in the infield or another AAAA type of guy

Kevin McGonigle

Kevin McGonigle is a shortstop who is exciting to watch. He among the top 5 prospects in the game and you can tell. He very well looks the part of MLB shortstop and theres a good chance he make the MLB roster out of spring.

McGonigle has not played much in league spring games. In the 21 plate apperences he has he’s hitting an astonishing .353 with only 4 ks and 3 walks . He’s flown through the minors and you can tell why with a .313 batting average, 30 home runs and 149 RBIs since being drafted in 2023.

McGonigle is good at hitting for average and power. He has also shown flashes with the glove. The Tigers are taking their time with him. He could be a key player for the team soon.

Outlook for the Tigers’ Future

The Tigers 2026 spring training has shown that the team is building for the future. Young players like Clark, Jung and McGonigle could be important for the team, in the years to come.

These players performances give Tigers fans reasons to be excited. The teams future looks promising. As these young players get better they could help the Tigers compete for championships again.