JUST IN: Tigers make shocking crucial decision
The Detroit Tigers (59-63) have just completed an impressive sweep of the Seattle Mariners and have won six of their last nine games. Despite this late surge, it’s too little, too late to impact the team’s outlook for the remaining six weeks of the season. As a result, the focus has shifted squarely to player development rather than the standings. This shift in strategy was further emphasized by a recent move from Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations.
Veteran third baseman Gio Urshela is being designated for assignment, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. Urshela, 32, has struggled this season, hitting just .243 with a .619 OPS over 300 at-bats. However, he could still be an appealing option for several playoff-contending teams.
Urshela has made significant contributions with the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Angels in recent years, and he’s well-suited to adapt quickly to a new team for the final stretch of the season. While he’s valued for his presence in the clubhouse, Detroit needs to focus on players who align with its long-term plans.
This decision clears the way for infielders Jace Jung (the Tigers’ No. 5 prospect) and Trey Sweeney (No. 20 prospect) to join the roster. With the team seemingly headed for its eighth consecutive losing season, fans are eager for a positive change, and the introduction of young talent might offer a glimmer of hope. However, it didn’t have to come to this.
Tigers are not making the progress that fans hoped for
Among the MLB teams that have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity for most of the past decade, the Detroit Tigers might be the biggest letdown of the 2024 season.
Before the season even began, the Chicago White Sox were widely expected to be one of the worst teams in baseball, and little was anticipated from the Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies, or Los Angeles Angels. Although the Miami Marlins made the playoffs in 2023, their significant drop-off this year is understandable due to a series of pitching injuries. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds, after a rocky start, are showing signs of progress and seem to be heading in the right direction. Despite having a thin offense, the Pittsburgh Pirates boast one of the most electrifying pitchers in the game.
In contrast, the Tigers entered the season with more potential than many of these teams but have failed to live up to expectations. While Tarik Skubal, a leading contender for the American League Cy Young Award, has been a bright spot, his future in Detroit is uncertain. If the team continues to flounder, Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations, might consider trading Skubal for a substantial return of prospects before his value declines.
For the Tigers’ sake, the promotion of Jace Jung could be a step toward more competitive baseball. They need to build on the progress made by Skubal and outfielder Riley Greene this season, starting immediately.
Gio Urshela’s departure could spark something positive to close out the year, or it might leave fans entering the offseason with the same lack of enthusiasm they’ve experienced in recent years.