Locked On Tigers - Daily Podcast On The Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers’ youth surge fuels optimism after challenging season—are Drew Sommers and Ben Malgeri the keys to a 2027 breakout?
[Scott Bentley] spotlights the impressive MLB debuts of lefty reliever Drew Sommers and outfielder Ben Malgeri, breaking down Sommers’ elite ground-ball and whiff rates powered by a uniquely shaped fastball, and Malgeri’s disciplined approach at the plate paired with standout speed and defensive versatility. The discussion covers Sommers’ rapid development, bullpen upside, and candid struggles with command in high-leverage moments, while Malgeri’s potential as a right-handed fourth outfielder addresses a critical roster need amid Detroit’s lefty-heavy outfield mix.
What roles will these rising stars play as the Tigers chart their course for 2027? Tune in for stats-driven analysis, insights on player development, and why expectations are soaring around Detroit’s next generation.
00:00 Drew Sommers' 2026 Season Recap
06:00 Unique fastball movement analysis
07:24 Drew Sommers' unique fastball
11:33 Drew Sommers' impressive fastball
14:09 Drew Sommers' pitching potential
17:19 Drew Sommers' potential as closer
21:22 Analyzing strikeout and swing issues
26:59 Revamping the Everydayer program
29:12 Upcoming content and show plans
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Detroit Tigers poised for an offseason shakeup as Kevin McGonigle’s historic rookie campaign positions the team for an extra first-round MLB Draft pick. Will this influx of young talent accelerate Detroit’s return to contention? Host Scott Bentley examines Rookie of the Year frontrunners, weighs the pros and cons of a Riley Greene extension, and questions a staggering Casey Mize free agency projection.
The episode breaks down Gold Glove finalist buzz for Dillon Dingler and Zach McKinstry, Arizona Fall League standout Zaire Hope’s Triple-A trajectory, and the implications of MLB owners proposing a shortened season amid looming CBA negotiations. Plus, Scott revisits the 20th anniversary of Magglio Ordóñez’s iconic ALCS walk-off, reminding Tigers fans of the magic yet to come.
00:00 Discussing the MLB offseason
03:40 Discussing Kevin McGonigle's Achievements
08:32 Importance of MLB draft picks
10:55 Discussing potential Riley Greene extension
14:56 Riley Greene's contract situation
18:52 MLB season negotiations and sponsors
21:47 Impact of small-market teams winning
24:23 Discussing Dillon Dingler's performance
28:10 Mom sparked my passion for baseball
30:41 Closing and shoutout to listeners
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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
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Detroit Tigers face tough decisions as Kyle Finnegan and Zack McKinstry struggle in 2026—can they bounce back or is it time to move on? Finnegan’s ERA defies expectations despite a disastrous WHIP and command issues, raising questions about his $8 million contract for 2027. McKinstry’s versatility in the field is overshadowed by an anemic .199 average and a projected arbitration raise, forcing Detroit to weigh defensive depth against offensive shortcomings.
Scott Bentley breaks down both players’ roller-coaster seasons, the Tigers’ evolving roster needs, and the implications for future payroll flexibility. Key discussion points include expected roles for Finnegan and McKinstry if retained, the glut of left-handed bats on Detroit’s roster, and the fanbase’s mounting frustration. Will Detroit prioritize roster turnover this winter, or bank on proven utility in hopes of a turnaround? Get the full analysis on the Tigers’ critical offseason crossroads.
00:00 Kyle Finnegan's 2025 season struggle
04:08 Player's performance in postseason
09:32 5-Hour Energy product promotion
13:42 Discussing potential future with Tigers
16:20 Player's low production in 2025
21:09 Discussing a player's contract value
25:09 Discussing a player's future with team
26:01 Discussing Zach McKinstry's future with Tigers
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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
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Detroit Tigers fans have plenty to cheer about as Max Clark’s electric MLB debut sets the tone for an exciting future in the Motor City. Can Clark’s elite defense, speed, and promising bat become the foundation of a new Tigers core, or will his development face hurdles next season? Scott Bentley spotlights Clark’s rookie campaign, analyzing his .272/.350/.417 slash line, 1.4 WAR in just 51 games, and the potential impact of refining his power at the plate.
Sawyer Gibson-Long’s outlook takes center stage in the second half, with Scott Bentley questioning his future on the 40-man roster after a rocky AAA season and lingering fastball woes. Discussions explore Detroit’s lineup construction, McGonigal-Clark as a 1-2 punch, and lingering questions for the Tigers’ youth movement. Can this emerging core bring the Tigers back to contention, or will tough roster decisions define their offseason strategy?
00:00 Future of Max Clark and Tigers
03:24 Analyzing rookie's defensive skills
08:42 Clark's potential for next season
12:41 Clark and McGonigle lineup impact
15:43 Clark's potential regression concerns
17:45 Sawyer Gibson-Long's MLB debut
23:48 Sawyer Gibson's AAA Performance
25:49 Discussing 40-man roster decisions
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5-Hour ENERGY
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FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Detroit Tigers face tough offseason questions as Jack Flaherty and Jace Jung stumble in 2026, casting doubt on their futures with the squad. Is it time for a complete shakeup? Scott Bentley critiques Flaherty’s inconsistent pitching, high walk rate, and declining fastball velocity, questioning whether the right-hander deserves another contract or if his days as a Detroit Tigers starter are officially over.
Jace Jung’s disappointing Triple-A numbers and stalled major league development spark debate about his fit amid the Tigers’ roster crunch. With roster moves looming after the World Series and a glut of infield prospects, Scott Bentley explores whether it's best for both parties to part ways. Can Young find new life on a different team, or will Detroit give the former first-round pick one last shot? Don’t miss this incisive breakdown of tough decisions facing the Detroit Tigers’ front office heading into the offseason.
00:00 Jack Flaherty's 2026 struggles
04:42 Flaherty's pitching performance analysis
08:22 High-priced contract disappointment
12:14 Hope for a pitcher’s future
16:50 Roster changes and injured list rules
18:57 Discussing Rule 5 roster decisions
22:50 Jace Jung's uncertain future
25:13 Discussing DFA Options for Player
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Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at
https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=MLB&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
5-Hour ENERGY
Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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