Sean O'Leary

Sean O'Leary

Joined: Aug 1, 2024

Sean O'Leary is an alumnus of the University of Nevada, Reno, where he majored in journalism. Before On SI, he covered baseball at websites such as Pitcher List and FanSided. Sean also covered the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Reno Aces, for their official website. Watching minor league baseball over the years made him fascinated by covering prospects.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton practices during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Detroit Tigers Framber Valdez (59) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Detroit Tigers Opening Day at Comerica Park in Detroit, Friday, April 3, 2026.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero throws against Detroit Tigers during the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.

Nov 9, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park.

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The Detroit Tigers will be hoping for a big impact from Kevin McGonigle this season.

Oct 24, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hits a RBI single against the San Francisco Giants in the 6th inning during game one of the 2012 World Series at AT&T Park.

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The Detroit Tigers' history at first base is littered with all-time players.

Jun 1969; Detroit, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Tigers catcher BILL FREEHAN in a play at the plate against Baltimore Orioles outfielder FRANK ROBINSON at Tiger Stadium during the 1969 season.

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Two underrated stars sit atop the Tigers' bWAR list for catchers.

Willie Hernandez holds up the ball before throwing the ceremonial pitch during Detroit Tigers Opening Day game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

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In terms of career success, the best relievers in Tigers history are not so recent.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander celebrates the 3-0 win against the Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS in Oakland, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013.

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Justin Verlander stands among historical greats in Tigers' bWAR rankings for pitchers.

Jun 15, 1990; Detroit, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Tigers infielder Alan Trammell in action against the California Angels at Tiger Stadium.

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Detroit is a storied franchise and throughout their history, they have drafted multiple Hall of Famers.

June 21, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jacob Turner (50) pitches during the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park.

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The Tigers have a few recent examples of draft busts and a player who is currently among that group in the lineup.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander celebrates the 3-0 win against the Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS in Oakland, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013.

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The Tigers have succeeded with first round picks throughout their history, most notable with Justin Verlander and Kirk Gibson.

Erie SeaWolves catcher Thayron Liranzo works against the Harrisburg Senators on opening day at UPMC Park in Erie on April 4, 2025. Home plate umpire Elliott Melton is at left.

The Tigers have one of the best minor league systems, but it could be bolstered with better performances from a few key prospects.

Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee bats against Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning of a Grapefruit League game at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Detroit has made the postseason two years in a row, but they still have a lot of talent coming up through the minors.

Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning during game five of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park.

There was more platooning action in right field for the Detroit Tigers in 2025.

Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows catches for a fly out against Mariners during the third inning of ALDS Game 3 at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.

Detroit's big money player showed off his versatility in center while Meadows' dealt with injury.