(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers had a 66-96 season in 2022.
It was seen as a major step back by the public and the franchise itself.
This year, people didn’t think they could contend for a postseason spot, and they really haven’t.
However, there has been a surprising development in recent weeks in the AL Central standings.
The Cleveland Guardians, who fought toe to toe with the Minnesota Twins for most of the season, are now third in the standings.
The Tigers, without being particularly impressive, have taken possession of second place in the division behind the Twins.
ICYMI the Tigers are in second place pic.twitter.com/eBCvez2z43
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) September 27, 2023
The Tigers already have eight more wins than they had in 2022, and there could be more since they have five games remaining.
Fate will give fans the chance to enjoy a nice, hotly-contested series over the weekend.
Not only will the Tigers and Guardians be playing to decide who finishes second in the division, but the matchup also has two legends saying goodbye.
Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera is retiring after the weekend, and fans in Detroit’s Comerica Park will get the chance to have a proper sendoff for their idol.
But Guardians skipper Terry Francona will also bid farewell after 26 years as an MLB manager.
It will certainly be a weekend of emotions in Detroit.
We have to recognize, however, that the team took a step forward this year.
Even if it wasn’t a huge one, it still counts and provides some hope for the future.
Spencer Torkelson has developed into a legit power hitter, Riley Greene has also performed well, and Tarik Skubal keeps showing he is an ace.
Other players such as Eduardo Rodriguez and Kerry Carpenter have also played well.
There are reasons to believe the Tigers can keep growing and maturing in the next couple of seasons.
The post The Tigers Have Made A Clear Jump In 2023 appeared first on The Cold Wire.
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