The Detroit Tigers came into the 2025 MLB regular season knowing they had to improve, one way or another, offensively.

Their offense was sluggish during their time in the postseason, scoring only 21 runs in seven games. It was like that throughout the year, as timely hitting and some youthful exuberance really helped put the team over the edge with elite pitching performances.

Thus far in 2025, the incredible pitching has continued, but it is now

being backed by a strong offense

, and the results are magnificent.

When this week’s edition of the MLB power rankings was

shared over at The Athletic

(subscription required), the Tigers were 22-13 and had moved into fourth place, up from seventh last week.

They have won both games played since then, destroying the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field to run their record to 25-13,

which is the best record in the American League

and tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best mark in baseball.

There has been a lot of players contributing to the team’s success to this point.

Former first overall picks, first baseman Spencer Torkelson and starting pitcher Casey Mize, are getting a lot of attention and rightfully so.

After looking like their time with the franchise could be coming to an end after underwhelming performances in 2024, they have both been excellent in 2025.

Torkelson is leading the team with an OPS+ of 157, 10 home runs, 11 doubles and 32 RBI. Mize has a 1.3 WAR, an MLB-high six wins and a 2.53 ERA across 42.2 productive innings.

But, there is one player who stands out

as the most startling contributor up until now

— veteran Javier Baez.

Many supporters used the break between seasons to brainstorm methods for removing the shortstop from the team. Given that he signed a six-year, $140 million contract before the start of the 2023 season, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that he has turned out to be among the most underwhelming performers in baseball.

Faced with tough circumstances, he has reacted remarkably well by embracing a supporting position.

playing so exceptionally well that he has earned his spot in the starting lineup

As the present everyday center fielder.

“I miss the “El Mago” tags at second base, but if he can keep this up, it will be a massive benefit to a Tigers team that already ranks higher than any other AL team,” wrote

Levi Weaver from The Athletic

.

His fundamental statistics at bat suggest that significant regression may be ahead for his present .317/.355/.481 batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage, yet his fielding continues to excel even as he adapts to a new position midseason.

At the minimum, his strong defensive skills will make him a valuable asset since he can effectively play shortstop, third base, and cover centerfield.

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This article was originally published on

www.si.com/mlb/tigers

as

Detroit Tigers’ Biggest Midseason Trade Proving Highly Beneficial

.