Rival MLB exec says Tigers are 'for real' amid incredible start

The Detroit Tigers have started this season as one of the top teams in baseball and the best team in the American League. At the halfway point, the Tigers are 57-34 and have the second-highest winning percentage in baseball.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic asked whether the Tigers, amid such a strong start, are for real or not. With such an incredible start, there are those wondering if it's a mirage. But, for a rival AL executive, the Tigers are for real.

"So..." Stark writes, "What about this feels like just another midseason illusion? That would be nothing, said a rival AL executive." That AL executive pointed to various facets of the Tigers, which give credence to the belief that Detroit is real.

The AL executive listed some of the Tigers' best features: "Best pitcher in baseball (in Tarik Skubal). Impact manager (in A.J. Hinch). Lots of guys are exceeding expectations, like (Gleyber) Torres and (Casey) Mize." 

With the best pitcher in baseball, thriving players all across the roster, and a strong manager, it's easy to see why the AL executive believes the Tigers are for real. He was also asked if the Tigers have what it takes to win it all.

MORE: Tigers' Tarik Skubal breaks silence on All-Star selection

"If you are good enough to get to the playoffs and skip the wild-card round," the executive said. "You are good enough to win anything."

As it currently stands, the Tigers are in firm command of a postseason Wild-Card bye. They're 1.5 games up on the Houston Astros and 4.5 games up on the Toronto Blue Jays for the top spot in the AL.

If the Tigers continue their strong performance, they'll have the top spot in the AL and a bye locked up. Detroit is among the top contenders for the World Series this year, and with their strong manager and 1-2 punch atop the rotation, they will always have a chance.

Detroit is for real and isn't a poser. In the eyes of a rival AL executive, the Tigers are on their way to the postseason and will have a strong chance to go deep, potentially winning the World Series in 2025, as this team is strong enough to do so.

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