The Detroit Tigers hope to have another strong season in 2025, ending with them playing in October. Last year, they were a surprise playoff team, but they will not sneak up on anyone this season.
The Tigers returned a solid roster and added a few players expected to play an integral role. One of those players is second baseman Gleyber Torres, who they signed away from the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, his season began with an oblique injury that landed him on the injured list (IL).
Gleyber Torres Expected To Return Soon
Torres suffered an oblique injury during the season’s first series and has only played in two games thus far. According to The Detroit News, Torres is ramping up his hitting program and could return to the lineup this weekend.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said, “We haven’t determined exactly if he’s going to need a rehab stint. He’s been doing high-velocity work off a machine.”
The sooner Torres can get back, the better. Torres signed a one-year, $15 million deal this offseason, and he will want a productive season to have a chance at another lucrative contract.
At 28 years old, Torres is still in the prime of his career but has never lived up to the hype he set during his second big league season. That season, he hit 38 home runs, drove in 90 runs, and had a batting average of .278. After that season, his highest home run total was 25, where he is likely to be around the rest of his career.
Tigers Hoping for Another Magical Run
Shockingly, the Tigers made it to the ALDS last season before losing to the Cleveland Guardians in five games. The Tigers were led by AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who won the pitching triple crown (wins, strikeouts, and earned run average). They have gotten off to a 7-5 start this season, without Skubal finding his groove yet. This could bode well for them in the long term, as they are not entirely reliant on their ace.
The AL Central will be an intriguing division to follow this season. Last year, three teams made the playoffs, and it would be surprising to see that again. Outside of Skubal and Torres, the Tigers need continued contributions from Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter. While they may not be household names, Greene was an All-Star last year, and Torelson is a former first overall pick.
The Tigers have a solid roster capable of making the playoffs again, but a World Series run does not appear to be in the cards without a significant trade.
