If you’re refreshing your phone looking for a Detroit Tigers baseball score today, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown: there isn't one. It’s mid-January. It is freezing in Michigan. Unless you’re counting a spirited game of catch in a heated facility in Lakeland, the Tigers aren't taking the field for real for another few weeks.
Honestly, it’s a weird time to be a Tigers fan. We’re stuck in that limbo between the high of a competitive 2025 season and the anxiety of a 2026 season that feels like it’s missing a few pieces. While the scoreboard is dark, the "score" in the front office is very much active.
Why the Scoreboard is Empty (For Now)
We are currently in the thick of the MLB offseason. The Tigers wrapped up 2025 with an 87-75 record, finishing second in the AL Central. That’s a solid jump from years past, but if you were hoping for a January 17th box score, you're about 35 days early.
The first real Detroit Tigers baseball score today would technically come on February 21, 2026. That is when the Tigers head to Tampa to face the New York Yankees for their Spring Training opener.
Key Dates to Circle
- February 14-15: Pitchers and catchers report. The sound of leather hitting mitts returns.
- February 21: The first Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.
- March 26: Opening Day. The real deal.
What the "Offseason Score" Looks Like
Even without games, Detroit has been busy. Or, depending on who you ask on Twitter, not busy enough. Scott Harris and Jeff Greenberg have been tinkering with the roster, mostly focusing on the "back end" of things.
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The bullpen was a massive headache at times last year. To fix it, the Tigers went out and grabbed some veteran stability. They signed Kyle Finnegan to a two-year deal and brought in the ageless Kenley Jansen on a one-year flyer. If those two can lock down the 8th and 9th innings, the Tigers' win total is going to look a lot different by June.
But it’s not all veteran signings. Just this past week, the Tigers traded Justyn-Henry Malloy to the Tampa Bay Rays. Malloy had a ton of fans in Detroit because of his plate discipline, but the team clearly felt they needed to move him to balance out the roster. It’s a classic "give to get" scenario that has the fan base pretty divided.
The Jalen Evans Story
One of the weirder "scores" this week was the signing of Jalen Evans. He's a 27-year-old right-hander from Detroit who’s been grinding in independent ball for years. Is he going to be the next Tarik Skubal? Probably not. He’s headed to High-A West Michigan. But man, you've gotta love a hometown kid getting a shot. It doesn't help the 2026 win-loss column immediately, but it’s the kind of story that makes baseball great.
The Pitching Staff: A Work in Progress
If you're looking for the Detroit Tigers baseball score today, you’re likely really looking for updates on Tarik Skubal. The reigning Cy Young winner is the heart of this team.
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There were trade rumors swirling earlier this winter—because there are always trade rumors—but it looks like Skubal is staying put. The Tigers also had Jack Flaherty exercise his $20 million player option for 2026. Having a 1-2 punch of Skubal and a healthy Flaherty gives Detroit a chance to win every single series.
Behind them, things get a little murky:
- Casey Mize: He showed flashes of his old self last year. Can he stay healthy for 160 innings?
- Reese Olson: He's coming off a shoulder strain but was elite when he was on the mound.
- The 5th Spot: This is still a wide-open hole. They signed Drew Anderson, but many fans are still hoping for one more "big" addition before pitchers and catchers report.
The Third Base Problem
If there is a "losing score" for the Tigers right now, it’s at third base. Alex Bregman signed elsewhere. Nolan Arenado was traded to the Diamondbacks. The Tigers are currently looking at a mix of Zach McKinstry and maybe some internal prospects.
It’s the one spot on the field where most experts agree the Tigers are "short." They’ve been linked to the Mets in trade talks following New York’s move for Bo Bichette, but nothing has crossed the finish line yet.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Tigers Right Now
A lot of folks look at the 87 wins from last year and assume progress is linear. It’s not. The AL Central is getting tougher. The Royals aren't going away, and the Guardians always find a way to win 90 games with a payroll of five dollars and a bag of chips.
The Tigers didn't just "get lucky" in 2025, though. Their underlying stats—especially the 3.95 team ERA—suggest they have a foundation. The "score" for the 2026 season will be determined by whether Riley Greene can take that next step into true MVP-caliber territory. He had a 150 wRC+ last year. That’s elite. If he does that again, the Tigers are a playoff team. Period.
Actionable Steps for Tigers Fans
Since there isn't a Detroit Tigers baseball score today, here is how you can actually prepare for the season:
- Check the Spring Training Schedule: If you’re planning a trip to Lakeland, book your flights now. The Tigers play at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, and those games start in just about a month.
- Follow the 40-Man Roster: Keep an eye on the transaction wire. The Tigers still have room to make a trade, especially with the logjam of outfielders they have.
- Watch the Prospects: Names like Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark are the future. They won't be on the Opening Day roster, but their progress in Spring Training will tell us how close the "next wave" is.
- Arbitration Updates: The Tigers recently settled with several players, including Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene, avoiding arbitration. This is good news—it means the core is locked in and focused on ball, not contracts.
The wait for a real Detroit Tigers baseball score today is almost over. We’re in the final stretch of the "boring" part of the year. Before you know it, the snow will melt, the bats will crack, and we’ll be worrying about the bullpen in the 9th inning all over again.