Tigers receive 'meh' grade from ESPN analyst for mediocre start to 2026

"The Tigers have some clear positives, starting with Tarik Skubal, who is still great, and Kevin McGonigle, who is on his way to greatness," Schoenfield writes. "Otherwise? Sort of a 'meh' opening month."

After the disastrous close to the 2025 regular season and heartbreaking defeat to the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, the Tigers are looking to make the World Series this year.

But, so far, things aren't going too well, nor are they going too poorly. They own a plus-18 run differential, and have a 12-3 record at home and a 6-14 record on the road.

Their offense is good with a .738 OPS on the season, which ranks sixth in MLB, while their pitching staff's 3.81 ERA ranks ninth in the league as well.

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Those are some promising numbers, as they're top 10 in offense and pitching so far in 2026. But, overall, it's a lackluster start for a team that is aiming for the World Series.

Verlander, Casey Mize, Will Vest, Gleyber Torres, Zach McKinstry, Javier Baez, and Parker Meadows are all hurt, and the majority of the lineup and pitching staff are, for the most part, just okay.

Nothing has been alarming, nor has anything been overly exciting. As Schoenfield called it, it's been a "meh" start to the year for the Tigers.

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