ESPN’s David Schoenfield gave the Detroit Tigers a D+ for 2026 after they missed the postseason, citing the decision to trade Tarik Skubal at the deadline despite a 30-20 run in June and July. Detroit also dealt Casey Mize.
The article says the Skubal and Mize trades recouped future value, a reason the season was not graded an F. It names Kevin McGonigle as a return in the Skubal deal and River Ryan and Zyhir Hope among the prospects, and points to Max Clark, Jackson Jobe, Troy Melton and Riley Greene as reasons for optimism. Detroit still has work to do to return to contention.
