**Tigers Reflect on Successful Season and Gear Up for Major Offseason Changes**

DETROIT - Scott Harris, President of Baseball Operations for the Detroit Tigers, faced the media Monday morning at Comerica Park with a mixed sense of pride and resolve. Reflecting on the season, Harris spoke about the painful but meaningful exit from the ALDS just 48 hours prior. "It's both a blessing and a curse," Harris remarked about the team's abrupt end to a promising season. He emphasized that playing meaningful games to the season’s final day is a testament to the Tigers' growth and potential.

The Tigers enter this offseason with significant expectations, a scenario that represents both an opportunity and a test for Harris in his leadership role. One pressing need identified is the addition of a right-handed bat to strengthen an offense that ranked 19th in runs and 24th in both home runs and OPS during the regular season. Despite improvements shown by the team's young core, particularly after August 13, the Tigers still struggled with timely hitting, evidenced by their 2-for-23 performance with runners in scoring position during the ALDS.

Harris highlighted the need for internal growth among current players while also hinting at external additions. Specifically, he mentioned the necessity of a right-handed bat to balance a lineup that skewed left-handed towards the season's end. This need aligns with potential upgrades at corner positions, where Tigers first basemen and third basemen posted uninspiring bWAR values of 0.7 and 0.6, respectively. Spencer Torkelson's future at first base remains uncertain after a turbulent year, despite his potential.

The offseason strategy may not hinge solely on free agency, even with alluring names like Alex Bregman on the market. While Harris acknowledged the merits of big-name acquisitions, he also hinted at creative trade possibilities as a way to bolster the roster without exceeding payroll limits, especially with the uncertain TV deal factors impacting financial decisions.

Addressing the lingering issue of Javier Báez, Harris indicated that there is "a role for him on this team" despite Báez's struggles and ongoing hip recovery. Báez has three years and $73 million left on his contract, and Harris remains hopeful that the shortstop can return to form post-surgery, although a reduced role may be more realistic.

On the pitching front, the Tigers will return key starters like Tarik Skubal and Reese Olson, with prospect Jackson Jobe also expected to join the rotation. The potential return of Kenta Maeda, despite a challenging 2024, and interest in adding a strikeout-heavy bullpen arm, are also on Harris's agenda. The strategic focus will be on converting a well-performing bullpen into one of the league's best.

As for long-term extensions, particularly for players like Skubal under team control for two more years, Harris remained non-committal but optimistic, stressing that having talented players eager to stay is a positive sign for the organization.

The Tigers' successful yet heart-wrenching season sets the stage for an offseason filled with crucial decisions and potential transformations as the team aspires to solidify its competitive status in the league.