Tigers’ Lineup Has One Clear Weakness That Could Derail 2026

The Detroit Tigers are scoring runs, but they could use some help in one area.

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson reacts after missing a pitch. | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Nothing about the Detroit Tigers' season can be defined in April. This team will go through the inevitable ups and downs, just as they did to start the year. After two straight victories over the San Diego Padres, the Tigers have lost three in a row.

And while the offense has been able to generate runs, they're sorely lacking in one department in the early parts of the 2026 campaign.

Tigers Need to Hit for Power

Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle reacts after missing a pitch. | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The Tigers' offense has hit one home run. Yes, Dillon Dingler's solo homer in the fifth inning against the Padres on Opening Day has been the lone ball to leave the yard for this offense. He's also the leader in RBIs with five. While it is still very early in the season, this is a big surprise.

A season ago, that was Detroit's calling card as they finished 10th in home runs. Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson each hit 30+ long balls, and Kerry Carpenter hit 26. So far, that power has not been there. They've hit the fewest home runs in the league, and rank 29th in slugging percentage (.292).

Greene is off to a 4-21 start to begin his 2026 season. While he aims to bring his strikeout numbers down, his average exit velocity is way down, sitting at 76.9 mph, according to Statcast. Torkelson is 3-20, and his eight punch outs are second on the team. Carpenter is in a major funk, as he's accumulated just two hits with a worrisome 11 strikeouts. The Tigers need their primary run producers to step up.

How the Tigers Can Turn a Corner

The schedule ahead for Detroit is quite favorable. Their upcoming opponents feature the Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, and Miami Marlins. While the Marlins' pitching staff has been solid to start the season, there could be some opportunities for the Tigers to take advantage of weak pitching.

Again, the offense hasn't been off to a completely bad start to the year. They're still top 10 in runs scored, and they're sixth in doubles. Colt Keith has been a major surprise, hitting .389 with seven hits. Kevin McGonigle is as advertised, and is showing that no obstacle is too large for the 21-year-old.

The long ball can change the dynamic of a game in the blink of an eye. It would help the Tigers win some more games, and they certainly have the players to do it. If this issue persists over several weeks, fans have a right to be concerned.