The Detroit Tigers might not have any position players contending for the 2024 All-Star Game in the first round of voting, but there's still plenty of buzz surrounding the team. Despite the absence of Tigers players among the top 80 position players in the American League, there are still some noteworthy stories from the team, particularly focusing on their standout performances and the hope for fan votes as the deadline approaches.
No Tigers on the Leaderboard
In the first update of MLB’s All-Star fan voting, no Tigers players were listed among the top 10 at any infield position, designated hitter, or outfield position. This update, released Monday afternoon, highlights the top 80 players in the American League based on fan votes, yet outfielder Riley Greene, arguably the Tigers' best position player, is notably absent. With the voting phase ending on June 27 at noon ET, fans still have time to rally and cast their votes on MLB.com, although pitchers are not included in this phase.
Riley Greene's Strong Performance
Despite not making the leaderboard, Riley Greene has been a standout player for the Tigers this season. Greene's statistics are impressive: among AL outfielders, he ranks 10th in fWAR (1.9), fifth in wRC+ (133), fifth in OPS (.824), 11th in batting average (.252), and is tied for fifth in home runs (14). These numbers highlight Greene's impact, especially considering his ability to play all three outfield positions. His performance has been a bright spot for the Tigers, particularly with fellow outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the injured list.
Manager and Player Support
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch acknowledges the power fans have in determining the All-Star roster. "The fans obviously have the power in this to do what they see fit," Hinch said. He expressed support for his players, particularly praising Tarik Skubal and hoping for recognition for Riley Greene. Hinch added, "I think Tarik is well-positioned, one way or the other, Jack (Flaherty) has had a really good year, Riley, I would love to see him get some love."
Tarik Skubal's Stellar Season
Tarik Skubal, the Tigers' left-hander, is making a strong case for himself as a potential starter in the All-Star Game and a frontrunner for the American League Cy Young Award. Skubal has posted a 2.20 ERA with 16 walks and 98 strikeouts across 86 innings in 14 starts this season. His 2.7 fWAR ranks second among AL pitchers, just behind Tanner Houck (3.2). Despite his personal success, Skubal remains focused on team achievements. "I'd much rather win a lot of games than be in the All-Star Game," he said. "I think winning cures everything. Think about every team that wins a World Series. What happens with their guys after that?"
Greene's Recent Hot Streak
Riley Greene has been on a tear recently, hitting .310 with five home runs over his last 18 games, dating back to May 29. He set career highs in a 13-5 victory over the Houston Astros with four hits and six RBIs, including his second multi-homer game of the season. Greene's hot streak is a testament to his growth and potential as a key player for the Tigers moving forward.
The Draft and Career Development
The Tigers selected Greene with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 draft. Over his three MLB seasons, Greene has shown steady improvement, hitting a combined .266 with 30 home runs and a .761 OPS in 262 games. His development has been a cornerstone of the Tigers' rebuilding efforts, and his continued progress is vital for the team's future success.
Comparing AL Central Teams
Other teams in the American League Central have fared better in the All-Star voting updates. The Cleveland Guardians have nine players on the leaderboard, while the Kansas City Royals have six. In contrast, the Minnesota Twins have just one player—shortstop Carlos Correa—among the top 80. This disparity highlights the competitive nature of the division and the challenges the Tigers face in getting their players recognized.
Former Tigers Making Waves
Former Tigers player Willi Castro, now with the Minnesota Twins, has also made an impact. Castro, a 27-year-old switch-hitter who plays both infield and outfield, has become an above-average player over the past two seasons. He’s making $3.3 million in 2024, a significant increase from his projected $1.7 million arbitration salary that led to his release from the Tigers. Castro's performance with the Twins underscores the sometimes unpredictable nature of player development and career trajectories in MLB.
Fan Engagement and Future Prospects
As the All-Star voting continues, Tigers fans have an opportunity to show their support for players like Riley Greene and Tarik Skubal. The team's performance and individual achievements might not have garnered immediate recognition in the initial voting phase, but the dedication of the fanbase could help propel their favorite players into the spotlight.
In summary, while the Detroit Tigers may not have any position players currently leading in the All-Star voting, the season has been filled with individual successes and promising performances. Riley Greene's stellar play, combined with Tarik Skubal's dominant pitching, provides hope for the future. Fans still have time to influence the All-Star selections, and with continued support, Tigers players could still earn the recognition they deserve.
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