BUILDING SOMETHING SUSTAINABLE

Tigers pitchers shaved nearly a run off their ERA from 2019 to 2021. Still, their 4.32 mark last season was slightly below the American League average, after adjusting for the pitcher-friendly nature of Comerica Park.

This flashes like a neon sign in a dark tavern when you consider the key moves made by Tigers general manager Al Avila and Co. this winter to become even more stingy:

▝ Signing flashy Gold Glove shortstop Javier Baez to a six-year, $140 million deal.

▝ Acquiring two-time Gold Glove catcher Tucker Barnhart from the Reds.

▝ Inking free agent lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez, who pitched better than his 4.74 ERA last summer would suggest, to a five-year, $77 million deal.

Leather and grace. Combine a winter emphasis tilting toward run prevention, still-improving pitching talent like Casey Mize and Tarik