10 Bold Detroit Tigers Predictions for the 2026 MLB Season

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Detroit Tigers enter the 2026 MLB season with high expectations. After falling to the Seattle Mariners in the AL Division Series in 2025, Detroit made several upgrades throughout the offseason. Most notably, the Tigers signed pitchers Framber Valdez , Justin Verlander , and Kenley Jansen .

Will the Tigers finally win the AL Central? Could Tarik Skubal become the first AL pitcher to win three straight Cy Young awards? Will Detroit wins its first World Series since 1984?

Below, we dive into 10 bold predictions for the Tigers during the 2026 MLB season! Kenley Jansen reaches 500 career saves Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Jansen will reach 500 career MLB saves during the 2026 season. Jansen, who is expected to share the closing role with Will Vest and others, needs 24 saves to reach the 500 milestone .

The 38-year-old closer ranks fourth all-time in MLB saves and will immortalize himself by recording his 500th save in 2026. Colt Keith hits 20-plus home runs for first time Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Colt Keith hasn’t produced as expected in MLB; however, that will change this season. In 2026, Keith will hit 20-plus home runs while driving in at least 75 runs.