The 2025 Detroit Tigers: A Remarkable Journey
The 2025 Detroit Tigers have emerged as one of baseball’s most exciting and surprising narratives, but their unexpected journey pales in comparison to the 2024 season.
2024 Trade Deadline Moves
In 2024, the Tigers traded away key pitcher Jack Flaherty to the eventual World Series-winning Dodgers. At that point, Detroit was struggling, sitting four games below .500 on July 30 and 6.5 games behind the last AL Wild Card spot, with only a 2.8% chance of making the playoffs according to FanGraphs. Essentially, the team was considered finished.
Turning the Tide
Although the Tigers initially continued to struggle, falling to eight games under .500 and with only a 0.2% chance of postseason eligibility by August 10, they experienced a dramatic turnaround. They finished the remainder of the season with a strong 31-13 record, ultimately reaching the playoffs, defeating the Astros in the AL Wild Card Series, which led to their successful 2025 season.
A Historical Precedent
From being sellers at the trade deadline in July to winning a postseason series in October, the Tigers have illustrated that an unexpected turnaround post-deadline is indeed possible.
Potential for This Year
This raises the question: Can a team that was considered a seller at the 2025 trade deadline still make a push for the postseason? Although it seems unlikely, there are five teams that could potentially defy the odds.
Team Overviews
Guardians (57-55)
Wild Card deficit: 2.5 games | Playoff odds: 17.0%
Despite trading away Shane Bieber and Paul Sewald, both injured at the time, the Guardians retained core players like Steven Kwan and still appear to be a strong contender for the postseason.
Giants (56-57)
Wild Card deficit: 6 games | Playoff odds: 7.0%
Though buyers earlier in the season with trades including Rafael Devers, the Giants shifted to sellers at the deadline. Nevertheless, many key players remain, and they have the potential to go on a winning streak.
Rays (55-59)
Wild Card deficit: 5.5 games | Playoff odds: 5.2%
Known for their pitching, this year the Rays are struggling, largely due to hitting issues. The team’s losing streak has contributed to their poor performance, but they still have enough talent to stage a comeback.
Cardinals (57-57)
Wild Card deficit: 5.5 games | Playoff odds: 5.6%
After a promising start, the Cardinals faltered in July and traded away several veteran players. However, they retained young talent and could potentially rebound as they provide opportunities for their emerging prospects.
Marlins (55-56)
Wild Card deficit: 6 games | Playoff odds: 1.5%
Similar to the 2024 Tigers, the Marlins faced skepticism but are currently experiencing a hot streak. With key players like Sandy Alcantara still in the mix and strong pitching, they could challenge expectations as the season progresses.
