Scott Harris of the Detroit Tigers: “This is a talented group”
Scott Harris, president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers, speaks to reporters at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, on February 14, 2024.
BALTIMORE – The losing streak is over.
In 2024, the Detroit Tigers – led by Scott Harris, who has served as president of baseball operations for the past two years – will not have a season with more losses than wins for the first time since 2016.
With Saturday’s 6-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Tigers secured their first undefeated season in seven years.
“It feels good,” said right-handed reliever Beau Brieske, who pitched out of a seemingly hopeless situation in the ninth inning on Saturday. “It feels like things are changing. That’s what you want to be a part of. That’s what you look forward to.”
CHARACTER WIN: Beau Brieske and Trey Sweeney pitch for the Tigers in an epic comeback win over the Orioles
Only three players from the Tigers’ roster were in the organization during the 2016 season: Wenceel Pérez (international signing, July 2, 2016), Jason Foley (undrafted, Aug. 2, 2016), and Keider Montero (international signing, Aug. 25, 2016).
It is also the first undefeated season in coach AJ Hinch’s four-year tenure.
But the Tigers have ambitions for the 2024 postseason.
“We need as many wins as possible,” Hinch said after Saturday’s comeback victory. “We can only get one a day. Obviously getting to a number is an accomplishment, especially given where we’ve been so far. I don’t think we’re really focused on a win or a number, but I know that when we win, good things happen in the league.”
Entering Sunday, the Tigers are half a game behind the Minnesota Twins for the third and final spot in the American League wild-card race with seven games remaining.
The Tigers haven’t made the postseason since 2014, a nine-year drought. Back then, the Tigers fielded a roster of superstars, namely Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, JD Martinez, Victor Martinez, David Price, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
FACE OF THE FRANCHISE: Tigers player Riley Greene on the hunt for the AL wildcard: “It’s a lot of fun”
Ten years later, the Tigers’ incredible postseason push was fueled by upstarts like Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Tyler Holton, Colt Keith, Parker Meadows, Reese Olson, Tarik Skubal and Matt Vierling.
The Tigers have the third youngest roster in the MLB.
“We’re playing hard right now,” said catcher Dillon Dingler. “Everyone is doing their part. We’re all willing to do whatever it takes to get the team a win. Each of us knows our role.”
Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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