Play Ball: Detroit Tigers Open Season Eyeing Division Title

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers open their season Friday afternoon against the Chicago White Sox at 1:10 p.m. It will be the first look at a team expected to compete for the American League Central Division title this season.

The Tigers have not had a winning season since 2016, and have missed the playoffs the last seven years. A decline that was setting in for most fans as the team tried to put pieces back together after depleting their future trying to chase a World Series title for the late Mike Ilitch.

One of those pieces was infielder Isaac Paredes, who the Tigers brought in from Chicago when they dealt Alex Avila to the Cubs in 2017. But Paredes' development, like the Tigers' rebuild was progressing slowly, and the team, like the fans were growing inpatient for a formidable team.

Monday's trade for outfielder Austin Meadows feels like a big time move, because Paredes may turn out to become the player the Tigers invested in five years ago. And Tamp Bay has a knack for spotting high potential players.

But signing starting left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and shortstop Javier Baez to large deals puts pressure on the Tigers to at least compete for the division title. And bringing in Meadows rectifies that commitment.

It's a core beginning to take shape, showcasing young talent paired with veterans, including an aging first-ballot Hall of Famer. This is what Al Avila's team put together through scouting, drafting and developing young talent during the long five-year rebuild. And we'll see if it's headed in the right direction.