After a playoff appearance that resulted in their ousting in the ALDS in 2024, the Detroit Tigers have converted themselves from an upstart young team to a legitimate contender in the American League during the 2025 season.
That ascension has been due in large part to contributions and improvements from unexpected players. Now with the regular season winding down, some of those players who weren't on fans' radar as potential contributors in March are poised to become major X-factors as Detroit looks to make a deep postseason run.
3 Tigers who have emerged as playoff X-factors in 2025
Zach McKinstry
Entering the season, Zach McKinstry was one of the most hated players on the roster, thanks in large part to a lengthy history of complete offensive ineptitude.