The Detroit Tigers hold the best record in the AL, prompting discussion regarding the sustainability of their early success. The team's performance metrics support their position atop the standings.
Detroit has compiled a 22-13 record, leading the AL. Their plus-63 run differential is the best mark in MLB, suggesting the team's performance aligns with their win-loss record. Baseball analytics indicate the Tigers' actual record is slightly below their Pythagorean record of 24-11.
General Manager Jeff Greenberg attributes the team's strong start to production across the roster. He noted the underlying performance metrics support their record, highlighting the run differential.
Pitching has been a strength for the Tigers. The team ranks second in MLB in ERA at 2.96 and tops the AL in both ERA and WHIP. Their bullpen holds the third-best ERA in the majors, while the rotation ranks fourth.
Offensively, the team has shown improvement, tying for fifth in MLB in runs scored per game at 5.1. Their OPS stands at .755, an increase from the previous season.
Several players have contributed significantly, including past top draft picks. Spencer Torkelson has matched his home run total from last season and has an .889 OPS. Casey Mize, the number one pick in 2018, has posted a 2.70 ERA and won five of six starts.
Veteran Javy Baez has made a notable shift to center field, batting .309 with an .829 OPS. Utility player Zach McKinstry and catcher Dillon Dingler, who has taken the starting job in the absence of Jake Rogers, also rank among the team's top position players by bWAR.
While some players like Zach McKinstry and Javy Baez have outperformed metrics such as weighted on-base average compared to their expected wOBA, other players like Colt Keith and Justyn-Henry Malloy show underlying numbers, such as Deserved Runs Created, that suggest better results may come. Colt Keith hopes first homer is start of a familiar May turnaround. Spencer Torkelson's numbers align closely with his production.
The team has achieved its record despite injuries to several players expected to be on the Opening Day roster, including Parker Meadows, Matt Veirling, Alex Cobb, and John Brebbia. Manager A.J. Hinch has managed the roster effectively.
Jeff Greenberg stated the team intends to continue looking for ways to improve as the season progresses toward the trade deadline, while focusing on internal development and getting players back from injury. "We feel like this is a club that can certainly contend throughout the season," Greenberg said.
