The 2024 Detroit Tigers have become baseball’s biggest story. They’ve garnered more media attention than Shohei Ohtani’s historic 50/50 season and the Chicago White Sox’s historically poor performance. Entering the season, the Tigers aimed to break a decade-long playoff drought. The AL Central was perceived as weak, making a postseason berth plausible.
The Tigers started off strong at 18-14, but eventually stumbled to a 39-48 record by Independence Day. By the trade deadline, Detroit was still several games below .500 and out of playoff contention. They dealt All-Star snub Jack Flaherty, OF/DH Mark Canha, backup catcher Carson Kelly, and left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin. Their season seemed decided.
On August 11, the Tigers were eight games under .500 with just 44 games left and playoff odds at 0.2%. Their pitching staff was decimated, with only Tarik Skubal and Keider Montero pitching every five days. The rest of the rotation consisted of bullpen days. Despite this, the team rallied, with many relatively unknown pitchers stepping up to pave the way for a potential playoff run. These “island of misfit toys” pitchers became the backbone of the Tigers’ playoff push—a true zero-to-hero story.
Since that August 11 game in San Francisco, the Tigers have been the best team in baseball. On Friday, they clinched a wild-card berth for the first time in 10 years. As they prepare to face the Houston Astros, let’s spotlight the unsung heroes who have made this extraordinary run possible.
Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal has put together one of the greatest seasons in Tigers history, winning the American League triple crown for pitchers—leading in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. His journey to the big leagues wasn’t easy, with only one Division 1 scholarship from Seattle University and a 9th-round draft pick by the Tigers. Despite setbacks like Tommy John surgery, Skubal emerged as a top prospect in 2019. He leads the league with a 2.39 ERA, 228 strikeouts, and a 2.49 FIP. Skubal will start Game 1 against Houston, and he’s a lock for the Cy Young Award.
Tyler Holton
Tyler Holton’s story is another one of exceeding expectations. Drafted by the Diamondbacks, Holton was claimed off waivers in 2023 and didn’t make the Tigers’ Opening Day roster. However, he’s become one of Scott Harris’s best acquisitions, boasting a 2.19 ERA and an 0.784 WHIP in 94.1 innings. Holton’s multi-inning appearances have been crucial in this playoff push.
Jason Foley
Jason Foley’s path to the majors was perhaps the toughest. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Foley spent five years in the minors and missed the 2018 season due to Tommy John surgery. Now, Foley has become a key bullpen piece, with 28 saves, a 130 ERA+, and a .632 opponent OPS. His hard-throwing sinker will be essential in the playoffs against the Astros.
Will Vest
Will Vest’s career trajectory is another unlikely success story. Drafted in the 12th round, Vest was picked up by the Mariners in the Rule 5 Draft but returned to Detroit in 2021. He has emerged as a top reliever this season, with a 2.03 ERA since mid-July, holding opponents to a .518 OPS.
Brant Hurter
Brant Hurter was a late addition to the Tigers’ 2024 season but has been pivotal in their recent success. Drafted in 2021, Hurter has filled the “bulk” role in the Tigers’ rotation, posting a 2.58 ERA and a 159 ERA+ in 45.1 innings. He is set to contribute crucial innings in the upcoming playoff series against Houston.
Brenan Hanifee
Brenan Hanifee, signed by Detroit after being drafted by Baltimore, has impressed since his call-up in August. He has a 1.84 ERA over 29.1 innings and has been essential in keeping the Tigers’ bullpen strong during their playoff run.
Sean Guenther
Sean Guenther was claimed off waivers by Detroit in 2022 and quietly worked his way into the bullpen this season. With a 0.86 ERA in 21 innings and a WHIP of 0.524, Guenther has been lights out and a crucial left-handed option in the bullpen.
Beau Brieske
Beau Brieske, a 27th-round draft pick, wasn’t highly touted, but he made his major league debut in 2022. This season, he has filled the roles of both an opener and a reliever, posting a 3.59 ERA in 67.2 innings and becoming the first Tiger since 1929 to start back-to-back games.
Reese Olson
Reese Olson, acquired from the Brewers in 2021, has been a steady presence for the Tigers. With a 3.53 ERA over 112.1 innings, Olson has been instrumental in stabilizing the Tigers’ rotation during the summer months and will likely start a playoff game in Houston.
Keider Montero
Keider Montero, one of the longest-tenured Tigers, signed as an international free agent in 2016. Montero has been a key innings-eater for Detroit this season, with a 4.76 ERA in 98.1 innings. On September 10, he threw the Tigers’ first complete-game shutout since 2021, further solidifying his place in Tigers history.
Recap
The 2024 Detroit Tigers are a true Cinderella story. Their young offensive talent and makeshift pitching staff have defied the odds, turning from zeros to heroes. With a bullpen composed of unlikely stars, the Tigers are set to make noise in the postseason. The city of Detroit will be watching as their team takes on the Houston Astros in what promises to be an unforgettable series.
Rogelio Castillo