Dillon Dingler's Breakout Season- And What It Means for the Tigers

By Calvin Little

The Tigers have continued to play well so far in this baseball season, sitting at 50-30, the best record in the MLB. However, fans have raised concern over the amount of injuries this team has sustained. It isn't an unfamiliar sight to Detroit fans- the Detroit Lions past season was riddled with injuries, and many believe this was the cause of their divisional round playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. However, despite the trauma of injuries for Detroit sports fans, their is still hope in a young Tigers player who has had a breakout season, and that would be Dillon Dingler.

Dingler plays catcher for the Tigers, and a good one at that. He has had a major jump through stats from last year to this year. He also has several areas to improve on, which is a good sign, as it's safe to say he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. His 2.0 WAR on the team throughout 60 games has him at 3rd best on the team, and incredible jump from last year. His .47xSLG is much better from last year as well, emphasizing his contact with the ball. His walk rate and his ability to "chase balls" are a few of his weak spots, but nonetheless, he has had a breakout season, and given hope to Tigers fans.

As I have mentioned in earlier articles, Tigers fans seem to have a fear of hitting an imaginary wall, where their team plummets and their season goes on ice. That fear has gone up a bit with this mass of injuries the team faces. However, it's important to remember players like Dingler keep hope alive in this team, and the Tigers season isn't over until it's over. Despite some of Dingler's flaws, I think Tigers fans have a lot to be excited about this upcoming season.