5 Detroit Tigers takeaways from watching as new dad on paternity leave

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5 Detroit Tigers takeaways from watching as new dad on paternity leave

Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press · Detroit Free Press

Mon, May 5, 2025 ·

5 min read

These Tigers are good

Spending too much time dwelling on the past isn't productive, but it's important to acknowledge that the Tigers' remarkable 31-11 run to clinch a spot in the 2024 postseason was no fluke. They proved their recent success is legit when they became the first American League team to reach 20 wins in 2025. It's not magic — it's the continuation of the team-first, never-quit, next-man-up culture established by manager A.J. Hinch. Among the 15 AL teams, the Tigers rank first in ERA (2.96) and third in wRC+ (117), showcasing elite pitching and above-average offense. They're also in the top five in both categories across all 30 MLB teams. No team in MLB has a better run differential than the Tigers' plus-63, which is ahead of the Chicago Cubs (plus-62), New York Mets (plus-57) and New York Yankees (plus-52). This is really happening.

Detroit Tigers center fielder Javier Báez (28), left, talks to right fielder Zach McKinstry (39) after top of first inning against San Diego Padres at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Injuries? No problem

The injury situation remains grim. The Tigers lost starting pitcher Alex Cobb and outfielders Parker Meadows , Wenceel Pérez and Matt Vierling during spring training — all four remain on the injured list. Since then, they've also lost five players from their Opening Day roster to injury: John Brebbia , Beau Brieske , Manuel Margot , Jake Rogers and Gleyber Torres , with only Brieske and Torres having returned. A few years ago, a spring training injury to Riley Greene derailed the Tigers' momentum and led to one of the most underwhelming seasons in recent memory. These days, though, the Tigers refuse to let the injury bug slow them down on the field. Whether it's Zach McKinstry , Javier Báez or Dillon Dingler , someone always finds a way to step up. Remember, the Tigers had a 49-26 record in games Meadows started last season — imagine what this team can do when he becomes eligible to return in late May.

Javier Báez still has gas in tank

Javier Báez — a shortstop-turned-center fielder — is doing things we've never seen from him in the Old English D, nearly four years after signing a six-year, $140 million contract. Through his first 28 games, the 32-year-old is hitting .309 with three home runs and an .829 OPS, while contributing plus-3 defensive runs saved across 99 innings in center field. Before 2025, Báez posted batting averages of .238 (2022), .222 (2023) and .184 (2024). So, what's changed in 2025? His 29% swing-and-miss rate and 50.3% swing rate are the lowest marks of his 12-year MLB career. In other words, Báez is making more contact than ever while swinging less than ever. Some underlying metrics — including a .243 expected batting average — suggest his production might not be fully sustainable, but the adjustment appears real: He's putting the ball in play more often with fewer swings.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tommy Kahnle (43) throws against Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Tommy Kahnle is legit closer

Three relievers have contributed in the save department: Tommy Kahnle (five), Will Vest (three) and Brant Hurter (two). Not only does Kahnle lead the team in saves, but he also tops the bullpen with seven games finished. The 35-year-old — an 11-year MLB veteran signed to a one-year, $7.75 million deal — had never served as a primary closer in his previous 10 seasons. He totaled just eight saves across 390 relief appearances — an average of 48.8 outings per save. With the Tigers, Kahnle already has five saves in just 12 appearances — or one save every 2.4 outings. The results match the role: Kahnle, who throws his changeup 83.6% of the time, owns a 0.71 ERA with three walks and 12 strikeouts across 12⅔ innings. His whiff rate, however, has dropped from 36% in 2024 to 26.6% in 2025. It's mostly weak contact on the ground for now, but the increase in balls put in play is something to monitor moving forward.

Cutting Kenta Maeda sends messages

The Tigers did what needed to be done, removing veteran Kenta Maeda from the roster and eating the final $8 million of his contract. In November 2023, the 37-year-old signed a two-year, $24 million deal — making $14 million in 2024 and $10 million in 2025. There weren't many positives during his Tigers tenure: a 6.09 ERA in 29 games (17 starts) last season, followed by a 7.88 ERA in seven relief appearances this season. His combined 6.21 ERA ranks last among 123 MLB pitchers with at least 120 innings across the 2024–25 seasons. This move — addition by subtraction — sent two clear messages. First: President of baseball operations Scott Harris, who dished out his first multi-year contract as the Tigers' top decision-maker to sign Maeda, won't let a bad deal get in the way of smart baseball decisions. Second: The Tigers will move on from players who aren't helping them chase the AL Central crown, regardless of contract or draft status.

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