Year of Javy, Summer of Tork: Can Detroit Tigers stay atop AL Central?

The Detroit Tigers continue to thrive as the first MLB team to reach 30 wins in the 2025 season — a milestone that's contributed to the campaign nickname "Year of Javy," courtesy of Tigers TV voice Jason Benetti. But the Days of Roar podcast is ready to add a new theme: "Summer of Tork." Javier Báez continues to shine, single-handedly winning two key games against the Red Sox and Blue Jays, while Spencer Torkelson is on pace for 41 home runs and 131 RBIs, looking like 2022 Pete Alonso. Despite Detroit's hot start, the American League Central remains competitive, with the Twins, Guardians and Royals all already achieving 25 wins. Bobby Nightengale Jr., the Twins beat writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, joins the show fresh off Minnesota's 13-game winning streak. Looking ahead to the July 31 trade deadline, could a right-handed hitting third baseman like Nolan Arenado be the upgrade the Tigers need to win their first World Series since 1984? Plus, the Tigers are getting Jake Rogers, Matt Vierling and Casey Mize back from their injuries this week, with Parker Meadows expected to return next month.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here