Detroit Tigers Secure Playoff Berth for Second Consecutive Year

The Detroit Tigers are headed back to the postseason following a tense 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. This marks the team’s second consecutive playoff appearance, showcasing their resilience throughout a dramatic season.

One year after seizing a playoff spot as a wild card, the Tigers began the 2025 season as one of MLB's powerhouses, frequently leading the AL Central. Notably, they experienced only five days in which they were not at least tied for first place, even boasting a dominating 14-game lead in early July. However, a challenging period beginning on August 24 jeopardized their aspirations, as they faced a dismal 7-19 record down the stretch, allowing the Cleveland Guardians to slip past them for the division lead.

As of September 24, the Tigers found themselves in a precarious position, having dropped to the third wild card spot in the American League. Despite the late-season struggles, the Tigers retain a crucial asset: Tarik Skubal, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. After winning the Cy Young Award in 2024, Skubal has continued to shine, currently ranking second in the league with an impressive ERA of 2.21.

While the Tigers rank 11th in runs scored in MLB, their scoring output has dwindled, positioning them among the teams that scored the eighth-fewest runs since the end of August. For Detroit to make a significant playoff push, they will need to once again tap into the form that propelled them for the first four months of the season, relying heavily on Skubal’s leadership and their previously explosive offense.