ESPN's Jeff Passan reveals why Tigers will be best AL Central team through next half decade

While the Detroit Tigers are facing a difficult short-term future for 2026, with Tarik Skubal's future very much up in the air, beyond just this season, the Tigers are in a great spot.

They might not be the best team in all of baseball, or even the American League. But what about in the AL Central? Are the Tigers in a better spot than their division foes?

ESPN's Jeff Passan, in response to a fan question on Threads, revealed that he believes the Tigers will be the best team over the next half-decade. His reasoning makes a lot of sense and should give Tigers fans plenty of hope going forward.

Tigers predicted to have best team through 2030 in AL Central

"Detroit is in the best position of every team because of their combination of present talent, trade opportunities, and farm system," Passan explained.

Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle coming up soon for the Tigers makes the short and long-term future of the team look bright with such great ascending talent.

That doesn't even include the likes of Bryce Rainer, Josue Briceno, and Thayron Liranzo, among many others who could make MLB impacts over the next five or so years.

While starting pitching might be a concern, with a lack of organizational depth there, the Tigers will have plenty of money coming off the books soon, specifically after the 2027 season, and they could use that money to land top pitchers.

And if the Tigers find a way to re-sign Skubal on a long-term deal, or if they trade him for a massive haul to help the team into the future, things will be in an even better spot.

The Cleveland Guardians have a team that's shown signs of regression and flukiness over the years. Combined with low spending, they could easily fall in the standings in the future.

More: Why Tarik Skubal is still Tigers' best offseason trade candidate

The Chicago White Sox signed Munetaka Murakami in a surprising move, but there is still so much more that they need to do to return to the postseason.

The same can be said about the Minnesota Twins, who just had a fire sale at the 2025 trade deadline, and look headed for a reset.

Their biggest competition is likely the Kansas City Royals, but with a shaky lineup outside superstar Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals might not have what it takes to contend for years to come, especially with a farm system not nearly as good as the Tigers.

Things are looking up in Detroit, and the Tigers could make things even better if they find a way to make the most of Skubal, whether it's a contract or a massive haul in a trade.

Detroit is well set up to be successful for a long time, and especially over the next half-decade through the 2030 season.

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• Tigers' trade plan for Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark revealed by MLB insider
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