Detroit Tigers: mlb FUTURES & BETTING ODDS

DETROIT TIGERS 2021 OUTLOOK

After several years at the bottom of the league, the Tigers finally are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, thanks especially to some young pitching prospects. Detroit is hoping that high draft picks begin to pay dividends in 2021 and that they will be groomed by new manager A.J. Hinch, back in the big leagues after serving a one-year suspension following the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal from 2017-19. 

Hinch helped the Astros win a World Series and reach another after starting with a similarly poor team on the field record-wise, as they lost over 100 games in three-straight years prior to Hinch's arrival. 

After winning the division each year from 2011-14, this down period began in the summer of 2017, when a slump knocked Detroit from 8.5-games back in the American League Central to 18 behind, which prompted the trade of ace pitcher Justin Verlander. The Tigers then lost 98 games in 2018 and 114 in 2019. Their 23-35 record last year matched their winning percentage from 2017 and '18.

2021 Featured Players

If the Tigers are to make strides this year, it will have to be from the pitching. Matthew Boyd has been off the past couple seasons, but he's still young enough to recover and be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for several years if he can correct his slider. Spencer Turnbull and former No. 1 pick Casey Mize are also in the rotation, and look out for Tarik Skubal, who was a strikeout machine in the minor leagues last year and did well in a small sample size in the majors last season. Prospects Matt Manning and Franklin Perez aren't too far away, and former solid starter Michael Fulmer is looking to cement his role as a reliever after a struggle during recovery from Tommy John surgery. Bryan Garcia is looking to make a name for himself as the closer, as he has a great sinker and slider. 

At age 38, Miguel Cabrera still anchors the lineup, though he will be settling into a designated hitter role now. Outfielder Robbie Grossman was a free-agent addition, and second baseman Willi Castro hit .349 as a switch hitter last season in around 150 at bats. JaCoby Jones and Victor Reyes should provide consistency in the outfield as well.

Bet on the Detroit Tigers! Detroit Tigers Odds for 2021

The Detroit Tigers odds to win any titles this year are certainly long shots, but if all of their pitching comes alive, anything can happen. Detroit Tigers odds to win the World Series are 100/1 to open the season. If you want to bet on the Detroit Tigers to win the American League pennant, a wager will get you 40/1 odds, and their odds to win the American League Central division are even longer, as a bet on the Detroit Tigers there will pay off with 66/1 odds, the longest odds among all division teams. 

Tigers Logo, Uniform & Stadium History

The Tigers are one of the oldest franchises in the Major Leagues, being the oldest American League team to play in the same city and have the same name throughout their existence, and have a rich history for most of that time. Their uniforms are simple, as they have no alternate jerseys. The home whites feature a navy blue cap with white Old English "D" on the front, and the same logo adorns the left-side of the jersey. The road grays feature an orange "D" on the hat and the word "Detroit" written across the front in cursive script.

Detroit has four World Series titles, the latest coming in 1984. World Series winners for Detroit include Al Kaline, Alan Trammell, Lou Whittaker, Jack Morris, and manager Sparky Anderson. The team reached two World Series under skipper Jim Leyland but lost both Fall Classics in 2006 and 2012. Players for those teams included Cabrera, Verlander, Magglio Ordonez, Victor Martinez, and Curtis Granderson.

Detroit has played their home games at spacious Comerica Park in downtown Detroit since 2000, playing at historic Tiger Stadium for decades prior to that. 

2020 Record: 23-35, Last Place in American League Central