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5 Bold Predictions For Detroit Tigers In 2016

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

With the start of spring training in sight, it is now the time of the year where many begin playing the guessing game on what the new MLB season may bring. So, on that note, here are five bold predictions for the Detroit Tigers in 2016.

5. Nick Castellanos Will Hit 20 Home Runs

Nick Castellanos Will Hit 20 Home Runs Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Although some are a bit disappointed in the numbers that he has put up over the first two full years of his career, it is important to note that Nick Castellanos still hasn't even turned 24 years old yet. After hitting 15 homers overall last season and putting up a 116 wRC+ in the second half, 20 homers should soon be within reach.

Although some are a bit disappointed in the numbers that he has put up over the first two full years of his career, it is important to note that Nick Castellanos still hasn't even turned 24 years old yet. After hitting 15 homers overall last season and putting up a 116 wRC+ in the second half, 20 homers should soon be within reach.

4. Francisco Rodriguez Will Save 40 Games

Francisco Rodriguez Will Save 40 Games Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Last November, the Tigers filled one of their major offseason needs by acquiring closer Francisco Rodriguez in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. Although some are concerned about the drop in his velocity, Rodriguez has a tremendous changeup and remains a terrific ninth-inning man. Notching the sixth 40-plus save season of his career shouldn't be out of the question.

Last November, the Tigers filled one of their major offseason needs by acquiring closer Francisco Rodriguez in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. Although some are concerned about the drop in his velocity, Rodriguez has a tremendous changeup and remains a terrific ninth-inning man. Notching the sixth 40-plus save season of his career shouldn't be out of the question.

3. Justin Verlander Will Win 17 Games

Justin Verlander Will Win 17 Games John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
After winning both the AL Cy Young and MVP award in 2011 and finishing second and eighth respectively in those departments the following season, Justin Verlander simply didn't quite look like the same guy from 2013-14. It was reported that he underwent core muscle repair surgery after the 2013 campaign as well. However, while he was limited to just 20 starts last season, he looked a lot like his old self after returning from a triceps injury, posting a 3.38 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and narrowly missing the third no-hitter of his career. If he stays healthy, don't be too surprised to see the soon-to-be 33-year-old win 17-plus games, which is something he hasn't done since 2012.

After winning both the AL Cy Young and MVP award in 2011 and finishing second and eighth respectively in those departments the following season, Justin Verlander simply didn't quite look like the same guy from 2013-14. It was reported that he underwent core muscle repair surgery after the 2013 campaign as well. However, while he was limited to just 20 starts last season, he looked a lot like his old self after returning from a triceps injury, posting a 3.38 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and narrowly missing the third no-hitter of his career. If he stays healthy, don't be too surprised to see the soon-to-be 33-year-old win 17-plus games, which is something he hasn't done since 2012.

2. Miguel Cabrera Will Earn A Top-3 Finish In AL MVP Voting

Miguel Cabrera Will Earn A Top-3 Finish In AL MVP Voting Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
After winning the AL MVP in both 2012 and 2013, superstar Miguel Cabrera has finished ninth and 11th in the MVP voting respectively the past two seasons. Over that stretch, however, he has batted injuries, and he underwent offseason surgeries after both 2013 and 2014. Many still consider Cabrera to be the best hitter in the game, and if he stays healthy, a top-three finish in the AL MVP voting should easily be within reach for the four-time batting champion.

After winning the AL MVP in both 2012 and 2013, superstar Miguel Cabrera has finished ninth and 11th in the MVP voting respectively the past two seasons. Over that stretch, however, he has batted injuries, and he underwent offseason surgeries after both 2013 and 2014. Many still consider Cabrera to be the best hitter in the game, and if he stays healthy, a top-three finish in the AL MVP voting should easily be within reach for the four-time batting champion.

1. Tigers Make The Postseason

Tigers Make The Postseason Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
After missing the postseason for the first time since 2010, the Tigers have patched several major holes this offseason and could easily be positioned for a quick rebound. Granted, there are still quite a few question marks, but if the Tigers can catch a few breaks, they could easily be playing in October once again.

After missing the postseason for the first time since 2010, the Tigers have patched several major holes this offseason and could easily be positioned for a quick rebound. Granted, there are still quite a few question marks, but if the Tigers can catch a few breaks, they could easily be playing in October once again.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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