The current Detroit Tigers roster is showing likes of the abysmal 2003 team that lost 119 games. I could go on about how terrible that team performed, but there is no need to beat a dead horse. As history has proven, that 2003 team went to the World Series just three years later in 2006. The 2003 team did not have many players carry over to the World Series roster in 2006. Mainly due to the lack of production coming from that 2003 and many players simply moved on. Craig Monroe, Dimitri Young, Brandon Inge and Jeremy Bonderman were among the big names that ended up on that World Series team. I do not see history repeating itself in 2006 fashion but there are bright spots in the current roster that may be here to stay.

Young Pitching is a Start

Casey Mize comes to mind when thinking of the future, Mize was the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft. Since 2018, Mize has progressed his way from A ball, AA ball and in 2020 got the call up to the majors. Mize is expected to become the ace of this rotation in the future. In 32 innings this season Mize is 2 and 3 with a 4.19 ERA while striking out 27. Mize has showed promise this season and has potential to become an ace on this pitching staff in the future.

Tarik Skubal, another projected star for the future but has had his struggles this season. In seven games Skubal is 0-5 with a 5.67 ERA and recording 26 strikeouts. Skubal was called up from the minors in 2020, pitching eight games. In those eight games he was 1-4 with a 5.63 ERA and 37 strikeouts. Unfortunately, Skubal hasn’t had much luck since being called up last season.

Is the End Near?

This Tigers roster identity is unknown, filled with young prospects, an aging Miguel Cabrera and fill in pieces that will not amount to much. With the commitment to drafting young pitchers this team lacks hitting in the worst way. Harold Castro is the only one batting above .300. Many things changed in three years that got the Tigers to the World Series in 2006 that just haven’t been done by upper management in the current regime.

I have established that hitting is the big issue. This organization needs to take it upon themselves to find quality bats. Developing young pitchers with absolutely no help on the offensive end will set the Tigers back even further.

As it sits right now there is no end in sight to this “rebuild”. This organization needs to show that they are committed to bringing in hitters, through free agency and trades.