1. This team will go as far as their depth lets them. With utility players such as Wenceel Perez, Matt Vierling, Zach McKinstry, and Jahmai Jones this team has a ton of plug and play options depending on match ups which is exactly how Hinch loves to manage. If they can be reliable when needed, this team has the capability to make a deep run this year.
2. Expect the Tigers rotation to play significantly better at home. Outside of Tarik Skubal, a good majority of the pitching staff is known to have significant fly ball hit rates. This will play well in a park like Comerica, but could lead to some inflated numbers when on the road.
3. Javier Baéz to take on more of a utility role. After Baéz proved he could play a Gold Glove caliber center field last year, I expect him to play there a decent amount, along with his usual shortstop role assuming there will be an imminent promotion for Kevin McGonigle this season.
4. Skubal will sign an extension before the all-star break. The best pitcher on the planet is being valued in the area of 50 million dollars a year currently. With the apparent win now mentality that Chris Illitch and Scott Harris seem to be portraying, I believe Skubal will sign in the ballpark of 7 years 360 million. I do not see him taking a discount for the organization that he came from, due to the fact that the market is out of control and he knows he can get a premium amount, but I do see Illitch ultimately giving in and giving him the offer he desires.
5. Other than Kevin McGonigle, the youth movement in Detroit will hold off until 2027. Scott Harris has made it a point since his first day in Detroit that he believes development is the driving factor in a players career. If he doesn’t believe a player is 100% ready he will keep them in the minors to continue to develop. Players such as Max Clark and Josue Briceno are largely talked about when the conversation of who might get a chance is thrown around. I think due to the fact that they have not even gotten to Triple A Toledo yet, we shouldn’t expect them to be making an appearance in Detroit this season unless they absolutely force his hand with undeniable play or barring many injuries to the major league roster.