The Detroit Tigers have reached a milestone that should excite their fanbase: they’ve now won 31 of their first 47 games a feat the franchise last accomplished during its standout seasons in 1984 and 2006. Those years marked the last times the Tigers claimed the American League title, with 1984 also being the year of their most recent World Series win. On Sunday, Detroit matched that early-season benchmark with a win over the Toronto Blue Jays, improving their record to 31-16.
Currently, the Tigers boast the best record in all of baseball and hold a 3.5-game advantage over the next-best AL team the New York Yankees, who sit at 27-19. Even more telling is Detroit’s five-game lead in the AL Central over a red-hot Minnesota Twins team. With the Guardians and Royals also playing above .500, Detroit’s success is not a fluke they’re competing in a strong division and thriving.
A key component to the Tigers’ surge is ace Tarik Skubal, who is dominating in his prime. Combine that with a team that gained postseason experience last year and a savvy manager in A.J. Hinch, and the ingredients are all there. Hinch is known for getting the best out of his players when it matters most. It’s beginning to feel like this could finally be Detroit’s year—something fans have been waiting over four decades for.
While the National League might have more depth overall, the top-performing team in baseball right now resides in the American League and it’s Detroit. Meanwhile, over in the NL, teams like the Rockies continue to struggle. The Tigers’ dominance in a competitive AL Central could give them a valuable edge as the season unfolds.
Last year’s surprise playoff run turned heads, but this time, the Tigers are no longer flying under the radar. They’re winning with elite pitching and clutch hitting, proving they’re legitimate contenders. And though there’s still plenty of baseball left to play, a strong start like this can carry a team all the way. The early wins build cushion and confidence making it that much harder for others to catch up.
