Locked On Tigers - Daily Podcast On The Detroit Tigers

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DETROIT TIGERS: Is the Tarik Skubal Deal a WIN After Dodgers' Playoff Collapse? Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Tigers fans celebrate as the Los Angeles Dodgers are swept from postseason play—with Tarik Skubal’s trade value back in the spotlight. Did Detroit truly “win” the blockbuster trade, or is that just fan-fueled narrative? Scott Bentley breaks down why postseason outcomes don’t determine trade success and analyzes what the haul of top prospects means for the Tigers’ rebuilding timeline.

Spotlighting future stars, Bentley highlights Ben Jacobs as MLB Pipeline’s Tigers Pitcher of the Year and dissects Max Anderson’s surprising lack of a major league call-up despite dominating Triple-A. The episode also unpacks the signing of lefty Nick Roque (fresh off Tommy John surgery) for bullpen depth and welcomes Martin Maldonado as quality control coach. From prospect hot takes to strategic front office moves, this episode has your offseason Tigers coverage covered. Will Detroit’s young core translate minor league promise into major league impact?

00:00 Reacting to trade rumors
04:57 Evaluating Tarik Skubal trade value
09:48 Using Indeed for quality hires
11:38 Tigers' 2026 Pitching Prospect
15:41 Max Anderson's missed MLB opportunity
18:22 Evaluating a Prospect's Defensive Role
22:56 Baseball comeback and MLB debut
25:31 Quality control coaching transition

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SURGE: Detroit Tigers’ Drew Sommers EXCELS as MLB Reliever, Ben Malgeri IMPRESSES Early Oct 16, 2026

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Detroit Tigers’ youth surge fuels optimism after challenging season—are Drew Sommers and Ben Malgeri the keys to a 2027 breakout?

[Scott Bentley] spotlights the impressive MLB debuts of lefty reliever Drew Sommers and outfielder Ben Malgeri, breaking down Sommers’ elite ground-ball and whiff rates powered by a uniquely shaped fastball, and Malgeri’s disciplined approach at the plate paired with standout speed and defensive versatility. The discussion covers Sommers’ rapid development, bullpen upside, and candid struggles with command in high-leverage moments, while Malgeri’s potential as a right-handed fourth outfielder addresses a critical roster need amid Detroit’s lefty-heavy outfield mix.

What roles will these rising stars play as the Tigers chart their course for 2027? Tune in for stats-driven analysis, insights on player development, and why expectations are soaring around Detroit’s next generation.

00:00 Drew Sommers' 2026 Season Recap
06:00 Unique fastball movement analysis
07:24 Drew Sommers' unique fastball
11:33 Drew Sommers' impressive fastball
14:09 Drew Sommers' pitching potential
17:19 Drew Sommers' potential as closer
21:22 Analyzing strikeout and swing issues
26:59 Revamping the Everydayer program
29:12 Upcoming content and show plans

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UNANIMOUS? Will Tigers Star Kevin McGonigle WIN AL Rookie of the Year—Plus Draft IMPACTS and More Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Tigers poised for an offseason shakeup as Kevin McGonigle’s historic rookie campaign positions the team for an extra first-round MLB Draft pick. Will this influx of young talent accelerate Detroit’s return to contention? Host Scott Bentley examines Rookie of the Year frontrunners, weighs the pros and cons of a Riley Greene extension, and questions a staggering Casey Mize free agency projection.

The episode breaks down Gold Glove finalist buzz for Dillon Dingler and Zach McKinstry, Arizona Fall League standout Zaire Hope’s Triple-A trajectory, and the implications of MLB owners proposing a shortened season amid looming CBA negotiations. Plus, Scott revisits the 20th anniversary of Magglio Ordóñez’s iconic ALCS walk-off, reminding Tigers fans of the magic yet to come.

00:00 Discussing the MLB offseason
03:40 Discussing Kevin McGonigle's Achievements
08:32 Importance of MLB draft picks
10:55 Discussing potential Riley Greene extension
14:56 Riley Greene's contract situation
18:52 MLB season negotiations and sponsors
21:47 Impact of small-market teams winning
24:23 Discussing Dillon Dingler's performance
28:10 Mom sparked my passion for baseball
30:41 Closing and shoutout to listeners

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DISASTER: Tigers' Kyle Finnegan STRUGGLES—Should Detroit Keep Him and Zach McKinstry in 2027? Oct 14, 2026

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Detroit Tigers face tough decisions as Kyle Finnegan and Zack McKinstry struggle in 2026—can they bounce back or is it time to move on? Finnegan’s ERA defies expectations despite a disastrous WHIP and command issues, raising questions about his $8 million contract for 2027. McKinstry’s versatility in the field is overshadowed by an anemic .199 average and a projected arbitration raise, forcing Detroit to weigh defensive depth against offensive shortcomings.

Scott Bentley breaks down both players’ roller-coaster seasons, the Tigers’ evolving roster needs, and the implications for future payroll flexibility. Key discussion points include expected roles for Finnegan and McKinstry if retained, the glut of left-handed bats on Detroit’s roster, and the fanbase’s mounting frustration. Will Detroit prioritize roster turnover this winter, or bank on proven utility in hopes of a turnaround? Get the full analysis on the Tigers’ critical offseason crossroads.

00:00 Kyle Finnegan's 2025 season struggle
04:08 Player's performance in postseason
09:32 5-Hour Energy product promotion
13:42 Discussing potential future with Tigers
16:20 Player's low production in 2025
21:09 Discussing a player's contract value
25:09 Discussing a player's future with team
26:01 Discussing Zach McKinstry's future with Tigers

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GAMECHANGER: Detroit Tigers' Max Clark SHINES in MLB Debut—What’s Next for the Rising Star? Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Tigers fans have plenty to cheer about as Max Clark’s electric MLB debut sets the tone for an exciting future in the Motor City. Can Clark’s elite defense, speed, and promising bat become the foundation of a new Tigers core, or will his development face hurdles next season? Scott Bentley spotlights Clark’s rookie campaign, analyzing his .272/.350/.417 slash line, 1.4 WAR in just 51 games, and the potential impact of refining his power at the plate.

Sawyer Gibson-Long’s outlook takes center stage in the second half, with Scott Bentley questioning his future on the 40-man roster after a rocky AAA season and lingering fastball woes. Discussions explore Detroit’s lineup construction, McGonigal-Clark as a 1-2 punch, and lingering questions for the Tigers’ youth movement. Can this emerging core bring the Tigers back to contention, or will tough roster decisions define their offseason strategy?

00:00 Future of Max Clark and Tigers
03:24 Analyzing rookie's defensive skills
08:42 Clark's potential for next season
12:41 Clark and McGonigle lineup impact
15:43 Clark's potential regression concerns
17:45 Sawyer Gibson-Long's MLB debut
23:48 Sawyer Gibson's AAA Performance
25:49 Discussing 40-man roster decisions

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Jack Flaherty and Jace Jung's Struggles IGNITE Major Questions About Detroit Tigers' Offseason Plans Oct 12, 2026

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Detroit Tigers face tough offseason questions as Jack Flaherty and Jace Jung stumble in 2026, casting doubt on their futures with the squad. Is it time for a complete shakeup? Scott Bentley critiques Flaherty’s inconsistent pitching, high walk rate, and declining fastball velocity, questioning whether the right-hander deserves another contract or if his days as a Detroit Tigers starter are officially over.

Jace Jung’s disappointing Triple-A numbers and stalled major league development spark debate about his fit amid the Tigers’ roster crunch. With roster moves looming after the World Series and a glut of infield prospects, Scott Bentley explores whether it's best for both parties to part ways. Can Young find new life on a different team, or will Detroit give the former first-round pick one last shot? Don’t miss this incisive breakdown of tough decisions facing the Detroit Tigers’ front office heading into the offseason.

00:00 Jack Flaherty's 2026 struggles
04:42 Flaherty's pitching performance analysis
08:22 High-priced contract disappointment
12:14 Hope for a pitcher’s future
16:50 Roster changes and injured list rules
18:57 Discussing Rule 5 roster decisions
22:50 Jace Jung's uncertain future
25:13 Discussing DFA Options for Player

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CORNERSTONE: Detroit Tigers' Kevin McGonigle SHINES in Historic Rookie Season, Future Outlook Explored Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Tigers fans have a cornerstone to celebrate—Kevin McGonigle just delivered one of the best rookie seasons in franchise history. Can he become the offensive centerpiece that lifts Detroit back into contention? Scott Bentley breaks down McGonigle’s .278 average, elite .376 OBP, and 5.4 fWAR, questioning how much more upside remains if he boosts his power or improves defensively.

Key topics include McGonigle’s advanced plate discipline, defensive shortcomings at third base and shortstop, and his projected future as the Tigers’ long-term second baseman. Scott Bentley examines realistic areas for improvement—especially against left-handed pitching—and envisions a future top-of-the-order pairing with Max Clark. The episode also spotlights Corey Julks’ role as a valuable AAA outfield depth piece and examines the odds of his return to Detroit. Can the Tigers build a winning roster around their emerging star?

00:00 Impressive rookie MLB performance
06:54 Kevin McGonigal's standout rookie season
07:46 Discussing McGonigal's Potential
14:01 Unlocking more power over time
17:50 Improvement in defensive performance
18:36 Defensive strategy for McGonigle
22:05 Analyzing Tigers' batting lineup strategy
24:48 Discussing player's contract options

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LAST YEAR: Baez UNDERPERFORMS Again For Tigers—What's Next For Javy & Detroit in 2027? Oct 08, 2026

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Detroit Tigers face tough questions as Javy Báez enters final contract year—will his tenure end with a whimper or a farewell celebration? Scott Bentley spotlights Báez’s steep decline, highlighting his struggling bat, dwindling defensive prowess, and skyrocketing chase rates. With positional versatility and minor platoon value against left-handed pitching, can Báez justify his $24 million salary, or is 2027 his swan song in Major League Baseball?

Explore the Tigers’ offseason dilemma: keep Báez as a super-utility player or cut ties early amidst payroll relief and playoff ambitions. Scott Bentley also dissects Yilber Diaz’s raw velocity, control issues, and uncertain future on the pitching staff. Key topics include the Tigers’ roster flexibility, potential buyout scenarios, and what it would take for Báez to revive his career or earn a farewell tour. Can Detroit find value in fading stars, or is a youth movement inevitable for 2027?

00:00 Discussing Javy Báez and Yilber Díaz
06:28 Defensive versatility and batting analysis
07:39 Struggles with declining performance
12:13 Tigers' contract considerations for 2027
15:05 Discussing adaptable player roles
19:39 Talking about FanDuel promotions
23:36 Discussing a pitcher's future prospects
24:56 Deciding the future of a pitcher
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DECISIONS: Will the Detroit Tigers TRUST Hao-Yu Lee at Second? Will Drew Anderson Return in 2027? Oct 07, 2026

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Detroit Tigers weigh tough decisions on Hao-Yu Lee’s future at second base as Gleyber Torres’s contract nears its end. Can Lee’s bat—buoyed by a sizzling .813 OPS after June 1—overcome glaring defensive shortcomings to earn an everyday role in 2027? Scott Bentley explores Lee's rapid offensive adjustments, his struggles against breaking pitches, and the challenge of finding a spot amid a crowded infield featuring Colt Keith, Jace Jung, Andy Ibanez, and more.

The bullpen’s ace-in-the-hole, Drew Anderson, also comes under the microscope. After a roller-coaster return from the KBO, Anderson’s mix of elite velocity and a signature changeup powered a 3.67 ERA across 100+ innings. But with looming command issues and a $10 million club option, is Anderson’s multi-role value enough for the Tigers to invest again? Scott Bentley breaks down the numbers and the pivotal roster decisions facing Detroit this offseason.

00:00 Discussing Hao-Yu Lee's Role
05:22 Player's September performance adjustments
06:41 Hao-Yu Lee's crucial adjustments
11:22 Discussing defensive struggles infield
14:39 Discussing Hao-Yu Lee's Role
18:45 Impressive performance turnaround
22:19 Analyzing a unique changeup
23:21 Analyzing changeup velocity and movement
27:49 Tigers' pitcher club option debate
32:24 Reworking a player's contract
33:37 Discussing Drew Anderson's contract options

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Odoo
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Gametime
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MOVING ON? Gleyber Torres' Detroit Tigers Future ANALYZED, Ty Madden Adjustments Work WONDERS Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Detroit Tigers face a pivotal offseason as Gleyber Torres' decline and Ty Madden's reinvention reshape the roster conversation. With Torres accepting the qualifying offer for 2026 but falling to career lows in WAR and games played, questions swirl about whether Detroit should invest in another contract for the veteran. His slipping athleticism, power drought, and defensive struggles raise the stakes—does the Tigers’ future have room for an "old" 29-year-old whose only standout skill is drawing walks?

Scott Bentley breaks down how the emergence of prospects like Clark and McGonigle could push Torres out of the lineup, spotlighting Detroit’s shift toward a speedier, more dynamic core. The episode also examines Ty Madden’s transformation into a reliable bullpen option with dramatic pitch shape adjustments, raising the ceiling for the Tigers’ 2027 bullpen. Can Madden lock down a roster spot as the Tigers overhaul their identity?

00:00 Evaluating Player Performances
05:01 Struggles of a 29-Year-Old DH
06:30 Gleyber's struggles with fastballs
12:27 Optimizing batting lineup strategy
13:27 Discussing Gleyber's contract situation
18:09 Improving the cutter pitch
20:10 Revamping the cutter pitch
26:36 Deciding Ty Madden's Roster Spot
28:04 Ty Madden's improvements this season

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KALSHI
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Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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