Editing Detroit Tigers (section)

===Division winners (2011–2014)===
====2011: First AL Central Championship====
{{main|2011 Detroit Tigers season}}
The Tigers returned much of their roster from 2010, while adding relief pitcher [[Joaquín Benoit]], catcher/DH [[Víctor Martínez (baseball)|Victor Martinez]], and starting pitcher [[Brad Penny]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Enrique|last=Rojas|title=Detroit Tigers agree with Joaquin Benoit on 3-year contract, source says|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5816921|website=ESPN.com|date=November 17, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022232652/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5816921|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reports: Victor Martinez leaves Boston Red Sox for Detroit Tigers|url=https://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5842176|website=ESPN Boston|date=November 23, 2010|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022232636/http://www.espn.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5842176|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Source: Tigers, Brad Penny agree to deal|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/detroit-tigers-brad-penny-close-to-contract-011011|website=FOX Sports|date=January 10, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022232514/https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/detroit-tigers-brad-penny-close-to-contract-011011|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 7, Verlander took a perfect game against the [[2011 Toronto Blue Jays season|Toronto Blue Jays]] into the 8th inning. After a walk to [[J. P. Arencibia]], Verlander coaxed a double-play grounder and went on to the 9th inning to complete his second career no-hitter by facing the minimum 27 batters. It was the seventh no-hitter in Tigers history.<ref>{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Kornacki|title=Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander tosses second career no-hitter in win over Blue Jays|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/05/justin_verlander_gets_second_n.html|website=MLive|date=May 7, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235454/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/05/justin_verlander_gets_second_n.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 27, Verlander defeated the [[2011 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins]], 6–4, to become the first Tiger since Bill Gullickson in 1991 to win 20 games in a season. Verlander also became the first major league pitcher since [[Curt Schilling]] in 2002 to reach 20 wins before the end of August.<ref>{{cite web|title=Verlander wins MLB-best 20th win as Tigers top Twins|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20110827_DET@MIN|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=August 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129130921/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20110827_DET@MIN|archive-date=January 29, 2012|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref>

In May, the Tigers were as many as eight games back of the first place [[2011 Cleveland Indians season|Cleveland Indians]]. However, they would start to play better.<ref name="2011 division CBS">{{cite web|title=A's Loss Results In Tigers Winning AL Central|url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/09/16/a%E2%80%99s-loss-results-in-tigers-winning-al-central/|website=CBS San Francisco|date=September 16, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023034840/https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/09/16/a%E2%80%99s-loss-results-in-tigers-winning-al-central/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2011 division MLive">{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Tigers clinch Central Division title with 3–1 victory over A's|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/09/tigers_clinch_central_division.html|website=MLive|date=September 17, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116030645/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/09/tigers_clinch_central_division.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Tigers sent five players to the 2011 All-Star Game.<ref name="2011 ASG rosters">{{cite web|title=2011 All-Star Game: Rosters|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2011/roster_league.jsp#al_reserves|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410051504/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2011/roster_league.jsp|archive-date=April 10, 2019|access-date=January 15, 2020}}</ref> Catcher [[Alex Avila]] was voted in as a starter, while Justin Verlander, José Valverde and Miguel Cabrera were added as reserves.<ref name="2011 ASG rosters"/> Verlander was unavailable to play in the All-Star Game due to the rule where starting pitchers who play the Sunday beforehand are ineligible.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ken|last=Rosenthal|title=All-Star Game needs more changing|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-all-star-game-justin-verlander-felix-hernandez-james-shields-rule-keeping-sunday-starters-from-pitching-must-go-071211|website=FOX Sports|date=July 12, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022232551/https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-all-star-game-justin-verlander-felix-hernandez-james-shields-rule-keeping-sunday-starters-from-pitching-must-go-071211|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortstop [[Jhonny Peralta]] was later added to the All-Star team when the Yankees' [[Derek Jeter]] was unable to play due to injury.<ref name="2011 ASG rosters"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Tigers' Jhonny Peralta thrilled to be late addition to American League All-Star team|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/07/tigers_jhonny_peralta_thrilled.html|website=MLive|date=July 9, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116040709/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/07/tigers_jhonny_peralta_thrilled.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a three-way battle for the division title developed between the Tigers, Indians, and [[2011 Chicago White Sox season|Chicago White Sox]], the Tigers put together an 18–10 record in August to begin to pull away.<ref name="2011 division MLive"/><ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Month-by-month highlights that led to Tigers' first playoff berth since 2006|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/09/tigers_month-by-month_recap_le.html|website=MLive|date=September 29, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122345/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/09/tigers_month-by-month_recap_le.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Starter [[Doug Fister]], who was acquired at the trade deadline, provided an immediate spark, going 8–1 over the final two months of the season with a sparkling 1.79 ERA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers acquire Doug Fister in deal with Seattle Mariners|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/6818559/detroit-tigers-acquire-doug-fister-deal-seattle-mariners|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 31, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217063234/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/6818559/detroit-tigers-acquire-doug-fister-deal-seattle-mariners|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2011 Detroit Tigers Statistics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/2011.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604010220/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/2011.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After a loss on September 1, the Tigers reeled off a 12-game winning streak to put any thoughts of another late-season collapse to rest. The streak consisted of four consecutive three-game sweeps over their AL Central Division rivals. It was the Tigers' longest winning streak since the 1934 team won 14 straight.<ref>{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Miller|title=Tigers roar to longest winning streak since 1934|url=http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/31985360|website=CBS Sports|date=September 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221215/http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/31985360|archive-date=October 4, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> On September 16, the Tigers clinched the AL Central Division title with a 3–1 win over the [[2011 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]]. It was their first AL Central title since joining the division in 1998, and first division title of any kind since 1987.<ref name="2011 division CBS"/><ref name="2011 division MLive"/>

Members of the 2011 Tigers won multiple statistical awards in 2011. Verlander won the pitching triple crown, leading the AL in wins (24), ERA (2.40) and strikeouts (250). On November 15, Verlander was a unanimous selection for the AL Cy Young Award.<ref>{{cite web|first=Evan|last=Brunell|title=It's unanimous: Verlander claims AL Cy Young|url=http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33329268|website=CBS Sports|date=November 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116184922/http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33329268|archive-date=November 16, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> In a much closer vote six days later, Verlander also won AL MVP, becoming the first pitcher to do so since [[Dennis Eckersley]] in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Snyder|title=Justin Verlander wins AL MVP|url=http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33440802|website=CBS Sports|date=November 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123162158/http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33440802|archive-date=November 23, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018}}</ref> Valverde was the AL saves leader with 49 (in 49 save opportunities), winning the 2011 [[MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award]].<ref name="Valverde delivery"/> Cabrera won the AL batting title with a .344 average, while also leading the AL in on-base percentage (.448) and doubles (48).<ref>{{cite web|title=Miguel Cabrera wins AL batting title; Tigers fall short of home field|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310928106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410114638/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310928106|archive-date=April 10, 2019|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2011 American League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2011-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 22, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023034806/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2011-batting-leaders.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Tigers beat the [[2011 New York Yankees season|New York Yankees]] by a score of 3–2 in Game 5 of the [[2011 American League Division Series|ALDS]], winning the series 3–2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers start early then hold off Yankees in decisive Game 5 of ALDS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311006110|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116004422/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311006110|archive-date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> They advanced to the [[2011 American League Championship Series|ALCS]], but they lost to the defending AL Champion [[2011 Texas Rangers season|Texas Rangers]], 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nelson Cruz sets home run record as Rangers return to Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311015113|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235435/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/311015113|archive-date=January 15, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref>

====2012: American League Champions====
{{Main|2012 Detroit Tigers season}}
[[File:Miguel Cabrera (2011).jpg|thumb|In 2012, [[Miguel Cabrera]] became the first Major League player to win the [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Triple Crown]] in 45 years.]]
[[File:Delmon Young and Prince Fielder on July 13, 2012.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|[[Delmon Young]] (left) and [[Prince Fielder]] (right) in 2012]]
In 2012, the Tigers looked to defend their 2011 AL Central Division title, with the hopes of earning a second consecutive playoff appearance. On January 24, the Tigers signed free agent All-Star first baseman [[Prince Fielder]] to a 9-year, $214 million contract.<ref>{{cite web|title=Source – Detroit Tigers land Prince Fielder with nine-year, $214 million deal|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7498284/detroit-tigers-reportedly-land-prince-fielder-214m-offer|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=January 25, 2012|access-date=January 27, 2013|archive-date=June 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626151707/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7498284/detroit-tigers-reportedly-land-prince-fielder-214m-offer|url-status=live}}</ref> The move came shortly after the Tigers learned that Víctor Martínez had torn his [[anterior cruciate ligament]] during offseason training in [[Lakeland, Florida]], and would likely miss the entire 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Victor Martinez of Detroit Tigers tears ACL, likely needs season-ending surgery|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7472150/victor-martinez-detroit-tigers-tears-acl-likely-needs-season-ending-surgery|website=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=January 18, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=December 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229075806/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7472150/victor-martinez-detroit-tigers-tears-acl-likely-needs-season-ending-surgery|url-status=live}}</ref> Miguel Cabrera moved back to his original position of third base, leading to the eventual release of veteran [[Brandon Inge]] on April 26.<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Detroit Tigers sever ties with Brandon Inge, but 'heart will always be in Detroit'|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2012/04/detroit_tigers_brandon_inge_on.html|website=MLive|date=April 26, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127121958/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2012/04/detroit_tigers_brandon_inge_on.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 23, the Tigers acquired veteran second baseman [[Omar Infante]], who played for Detroit in 2003–07, and starting pitcher [[Aníbal Sánchez]] from the [[Miami Marlins]] in exchange for starting pitcher [[Jacob Turner]] and two other minor leaguers.<ref>{{cite web|first=C. Trent|last=Rosecrans|title=Tigers land Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante from Marlins|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/19641381/reports:-tigers-land-anibal-sanchez,-omar-infante-from-marlins|website=CBS Sports|date=July 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205102014/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/19641381/reports:-tigers-land-anibal-sanchez,-omar-infante-from-marlins|archive-date=February 5, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020}}</ref>

At the midway point of the 2012 season, the Tigers were three games under .500 (39–42).<ref>{{cite web|title=MLB Recap – Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers – Jul 03, 2012|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20120703_MIN@DET|website=CBS Sports|date=July 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004224038/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20120703_MIN@DET|archive-date=October 4, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> The team played much better in the second half and, after a fierce battle down the stretch with the [[2012 Chicago White Sox season|Chicago White Sox]], the Tigers clinched the AL Central division title on October 1 with a 6–3 win against the [[2012 Kansas City Royals season|Kansas City Royals]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers repeat as AL Central champs; Cabrera improves Triple Crown chances|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121001_DET@KC|website=CBS Sports|date=October 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113171943/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121001_DET@KC|archive-date=November 13, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> Coupled with the Tigers' division title in 2011, it marked the first back-to-back divisional titles in team history, and first back-to-back postseason appearances since 1934–35.<ref>{{cite web|first=Drew|last=Sharp|title=Drew Sharp: Patience pays as Tigers celebrate AL Central title in Kansas City|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20121002/COL08/121002005/drew-sharp-detroit-tigers-patience-pays-off-al-central|website=Detroit Free Press|date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123144326/http://www.freep.com/article/20121002/COL08/121002005/drew-sharp-detroit-tigers-patience-pays-off-al-central|archive-date=January 23, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Tigers concluded the season with an 88–74 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2012.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035231/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2012.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the final day of the season, Cabrera earned the Triple Crown in batting, leading the AL in batting average (.330), home runs (44), and runs batted in (139). No player had accomplished this feat since [[Carl Yastrzemski]] in 1967.<ref>{{cite web|title=Venezuela's Miguel Cabrera wins baseball's Triple Crown|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19826327|website=BBC News|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=January 27, 2013|archive-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007022200/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19826327|url-status=live}}</ref> On the mound, starters Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer finished first and second among the American League strikeout leaders, with 239 and 231, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Player Pitching Stats|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/stats/playersort/MLB/KS/ALL/ALL/regularseason/2012?&_1:col_1=17|website=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020120628/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/stats/playersort/MLB/KS/ALL/ALL/regularseason/2012?&_1:col_1=17|archive-date=October 20, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> Verlander (17–8, 2.64 ERA) finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting to [[David Price (baseball)|David Price]] of the Tampa Bay Rays.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jorge L.|last=Ortiz|title=David Price wins AL Cy Young in tight race|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/11/14/david-price-american-league-cy-young-winner/1705497/|website=USA Today|date=November 14, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702175719/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/11/14/david-price-american-league-cy-young-winner/1705497/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2012 American League Division Series|American League Division Series]], the Tigers defeated the [[2012 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]], 3–2, earning their second straight trip to the [[2012 American League Championship Series|American League Championship Series]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Verlander's four-hit shutout sends Tigers back to AL Championship Series|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121011_DET@OAK|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011417/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20121011_DET@OAK|archive-date=October 5, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> The Tigers completed a four-game sweep of the [[2012 New York Yankees season|New York Yankees]] in the ALCS to win their 11th AL pennant and earn a trip to the [[2012 World Series|World Series]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers sweep Yankees in ALCS to reach World Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321018106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035253/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321018106|archive-date=October 24, 2018|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> In the World Series, the Tigers were swept by the [[2012 San Francisco Giants season|San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Giants top Tigers in 10th for World Series sweep|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321028106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116014547/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/321028106|archive-date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref>

On November 15, 2012, Cabrera was named AL MVP.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dayn|last=Perry|title=Miguel Cabrera wins 2012 American League MVP Award|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/20996825/miguel-cabrera-wins-2012-american-league-mvp-award|website=CBS Sports|date=November 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205102015/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/20996825/miguel-cabrera-wins-2012-american-league-mvp-award|archive-date=February 5, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2020}}</ref>

====2013: American League title defense====
{{Main|2013 Detroit Tigers season}}
The Tigers entered the 2013 season looking to defend their 2012 AL pennant. Key acquisitions in the offseason included signing free agent outfielder [[Torii Hunter]] to a two-year, $26 million contract,<ref>{{cite web|first=Ken|last=Rosenthal|title=Sources: Hunter, Tigers reach deal|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/torii-hunter-deal-detroit-tigers-111412|website=FOX Sports|date=November 14, 2012|access-date=November 14, 2012|archive-date=October 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028202823/http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/torii-hunter-deal-detroit-tigers-111412|url-status=live}}</ref> while also signing their 2012 trade deadline acquisition, pitcher Aníbal Sánchez, to a five-year, $80 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Simon|title=Anibal Sanchez, Tigers agree to five-year, $80 million deal|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121214&content_id=40651662&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|website=MLB.com|date=December 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217093214/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121214&content_id=40651662&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=December 17, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> The Tigers also signed free agent catcher [[Brayan Peña]] to a one-year contract.<ref name=december10>{{cite web|first=Joey|last=Nowak|title=Tigers add veteran Pena as backup catcher|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121210&content_id=40595624&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|website=MLB.com|date=December 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212115929/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121210&content_id=40595624&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=December 12, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> Moreover, ace starter Justin Verlander signed a $180 million contract extension.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander agrees to five-year contract extension|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130329&content_id=43489374&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|website=MLB.com|date=March 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401083427/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130329&content_id=43489374&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=April 1, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> The Tigers placed six players on the 2013 American League All-Star team: Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Jhonny Peralta, Torii Hunter, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.<ref>{{cite web|title=2013 All-Star Game Interactive Roster|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2013/roster.jsp|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811013307/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2013/roster.jsp|archive-date=August 11, 2018|access-date=January 15, 2020}}</ref>

On September 25, the Tigers clinched their third consecutive AL Central Division title.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Division champs! Detroit Tigers clinch Central title for third straight season with 1–0 win over Twins|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2013/09/division_champs_detroit_tigers_1.html|website=MLive|date=September 25, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814010231/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2013/09/division_champs_detroit_tigers_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tigers pitchers struck out 1,428 batters during the regular season, breaking the record of 1,404 held by the [[2003 Chicago Cubs season|2003 Chicago Cubs]].<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Schmehl|title=Detroit Tigers' pitching staff sets strikeout record, breaks Chicago Cubs' 10-year-old record|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2013/09/detroit_tigers_break_single-se.html|website=MLive|date=September 30, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517233115/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2013/09/detroit_tigers_break_single-se.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Cabrera (.348 average, 44 HR, 139 RBI) was voted the AL MVP for the second straight season,<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Axisa|title=Tigers' Miguel Cabrera named 2013 AL Most Valuable Player|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24233798/tigers-miguel-cabrera-named-2013-al-most-valuable-player|website=CBS Sports|date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115014601/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24233798/tigers-miguel-cabrera-named-2013-al-most-valuable-player|archive-date=November 15, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> while Scherzer (21–3, 2.90 ERA, 240 strikeouts) won the AL Cy Young Award.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer wins 2013 AL Cy Young Award|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/stellar-season-earns-tigers-max-scherzer-al-cy-young-award?ymd=20131113&content_id=63900504&vkey=news_mlb|website=MLB.com|date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114180340/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/tigers-right-hander-max-scherzer-wins-2013-al-cy-young-award?ymd=20131113&content_id=63900504&vkey=news_mlb|archive-date=November 14, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref>

The Tigers played the [[2013 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]] for the second straight year in the [[2013 American League Division Series|ALDS]], and defeated the A's, 3–2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Verlander sends Tigers past A's in Game 5 gem|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/mlb_20131010_det@oak/verlander-sends-tigers-past-as-in-game-5-gem|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=October 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012053151/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/mlb_20131010_det@oak/verlander-sends-tigers-past-as-in-game-5-gem|archive-date=October 12, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}</ref> The Tigers set a record by striking out 57 Oakland batters in the ALDS.<ref>{{cite web|first=Al|last=Beaton|title=ALDS Game 5 – Tigers 3, A's 0: Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera carry Tigers to ALCS|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/10/11/4825582/alds-game-5-tigers-3-as-0-justin-verlander-win-miguel-cabrera-home-run-2013-mlb-playoffs|website=Bless You Boys|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024075212/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/10/11/4825582/alds-game-5-tigers-3-as-0-justin-verlander-win-miguel-cabrera-home-run-2013-mlb-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> With his Game 5 gem, Verlander ran his postseason scoreless streak against Oakland to 30 innings.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Caple|title=Justin Verlander completely dominates Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of ALDS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9805585/justin-verlander-completely-dominates-oakland-athletics-game-5-alds-mlb|website=ESPN.com|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035409/http://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9805585/justin-verlander-completely-dominates-oakland-athletics-game-5-alds-mlb|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Tigers advanced to their third straight [[2013 American League Championship Series|ALCS]], where they played the [[2013 Boston Red Sox season|Boston Red Sox]] for the first ever time in the postseason.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|title=Detroit Arms Facing Test From Boston Bats|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/12/sports/baseball/pitching-vs-hitting-debate-in-detroit-boston-matchup.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/12/sports/baseball/pitching-vs-hitting-debate-in-detroit-boston-matchup.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited|website=The New York Times|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=October 23, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Tigers would be defeated in six games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shane Victorino's grand slam sends Red Sox to World Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/331019102|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116010528/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/331019102|archive-date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref>

====2014: Changes at the top====
{{Main|2014 Detroit Tigers season}}
[[File:Jim Leyland pregame at Dodger Stadium.jpg|thumb|180px|[[Jim Leyland]], manager from 2006 to 2013]]
Jim Leyland stepped down from his managerial position after eight years with Detroit,<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Jim Leyland steps down as Detroit Tigers manager|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/jim-leyland-steps-down-as-detroit-tigers-manager?ymd=20131021&content_id=63201648&vkey=news_det|website=MLB.com|date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021182233/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/jim-leyland-steps-down-as-detroit-tigers-manager?ymd=20131021&content_id=63201648&vkey=news_det|archive-date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref> and the Tigers hired [[Brad Ausmus]] as Leyland's successor.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Detroit Tigers choose Brad Ausmus as next manager|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-choose-brad-ausmus-as-next-manager?ymd=20131103&content_id=63647888&vkey=news_det|website=MLB.com|date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114224953/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-choose-brad-ausmus-as-next-manager?ymd=20131103&content_id=63647888&vkey=news_det|archive-date=January 14, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref> On November 20, 2013, the Tigers traded Prince Fielder to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] for three time All-Star second baseman [[Ian Kinsler]] plus cash considerations with regard to Fielder's remaining contract amount.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Ian Kinsler joins Tigers as Prince Fielder dealt to Rangers|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/ian-kinsler-joins-tigers-as-prince-fielder-dealt-to-rangers?ymd=20131120&content_id=64081866&vkey=news_det|website=MLB.com|date=November 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127123341/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/det/ian-kinsler-joins-tigers-as-prince-fielder-dealt-to-rangers?ymd=20131120&content_id=64081866&vkey=news_det|archive-date=November 27, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref> The Tigers later traded starting pitcher Doug Fister to the [[Washington Nationals]] for infielder [[Steve Lombardozzi Jr.]] and pitchers [[Ian Krol]] and [[Robbie Ray (baseball)|Robbie Ray]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Detroit Tigers trade Doug Fister to Washington Nationals for three players|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-trade-doug-fister-to-washington-nationals-for-three-players?ymd=20131202&content_id=64343036&vkey=news_det|website=MLB.com|date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206034225/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-trade-doug-fister-to-washington-nationals-for-three-players?ymd=20131202&content_id=64343036&vkey=news_det|archive-date=December 6, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref>

In an effort to improve a bullpen that often struggled in 2013, the Tigers signed veteran closer [[Joe Nathan]] to a two-year, $20 million contract, with a club option for 2016,<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Joe Nathan seeks elusive World Series with Tigers|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/detroit-tigers-announce-two-year-deal-with-joe-nathan?ymd=20131203&content_id=64352970&vkey=news_det|website=MLB.com|date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211222729/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/joe-nathan-seeks-elusive-world-series-with-tigers?ymd=20131203&content_id=64352970&vkey=news_det|archive-date=December 11, 2013|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref> and later signed [[Joba Chamberlain]] to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|first=Al|last=Beaton|title=Tigers come to terms with reliever Joba Chamberlain on one-year, $2.5 million deal|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/12/12/5204242/mlb-winter-meetings-detroit-tigers-come-to-terms-with-free-agent-reliever-joba-chamberlain|website=Bless You Boys|date=December 12, 2013|access-date=December 27, 2013|archive-date=December 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224052444/http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/12/12/5204242/mlb-winter-meetings-detroit-tigers-come-to-terms-with-free-agent-reliever-joba-chamberlain|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 2, 2014, a month into the season, with the bullpen having a combined 5.37 ERA, which was 29th out of 30 in MLB, the Tigers signed free agent reliever [[Joel Hanrahan]] to a one-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers agree to deal with Hanrahan|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-tigers-announcing-hanrahan-signing-152142279--mlb.html|website=The Sports Xchange|date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503065043/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-tigers-announcing-hanrahan-signing-152142279--mlb.html|archive-date=May 3, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref> However, he never came off the disabled list to pitch for the team.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Rob|last1=Rogacki|first2=Catherine|last2=Slonksnis|title=Tigers re-sign Joel Hanrahan to minor league contract|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/14/7221091/joel-hanrahan-contract-details-detroit-tigers|website=Bless You Boys|date=November 14, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024192246/https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/11/14/7221091/joel-hanrahan-contract-details-detroit-tigers|url-status=live}}</ref> The team further bolstered the bullpen near the MLB trading deadline, dealing pitchers [[Corey Knebel]] and [[Jake Thompson]] to the Texas Rangers in exchange for former All-Star closer [[Joakim Soria]] on July 23.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers land All-Star reliever Soria from Rangers|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-land-all-star-reliever-soria-from-rangers/c-86021740|website=MLB.com|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235435/https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-land-all-star-reliever-soria-from-rangers/c-86021740|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 31, with just hours left before the end of the non-waiver trade deadline, the Tigers traded pitcher [[Drew Smyly]] and shortstop [[Willy Adames]] to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Austin Jackson to the [[Seattle Mariners]] in a three-team deal to acquire pitcher David Price from the Rays.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Beck|title=Tigers land huge Deadline prize in Price|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tigers-acquire-david-price-from-rays-in-three-team-trade/c-87236374|website=MLB.com|date=July 31, 2014|access-date=July 31, 2014|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308182138/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/87236374|url-status=live}}</ref> With the acquisition of Price, the Tigers became the first team in major league history with three consecutive Cy Young Award winners in its starting rotation.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Newman|title=Tigers have three Cy Young Award winners from last three years|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/tigers-have-three-cy-young-award-winners-from-last-three-years?ymd=20140801&content_id=87467702&vkey=news_det|website=MLB.com|date=August 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055538/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/det/tigers-have-three-cy-young-award-winners-from-last-three-years?ymd=20140801&content_id=87467702&vkey=news_det|archive-date=August 8, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref>

On September 28, the last day of the regular season, Price pitched a 3–0 gem against the [[2014 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins]], and the Tigers clinched their fourth consecutive AL Central Division title.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Iott|title=Tigers 3, Twins 0: Four-time champions! Detroit claims Central Division title on season's final day|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2014/09/tigers_twins_four-time_champio.html|website=MLive|date=September 28, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807122006/https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2014/09/tigers_twins_four-time_champio.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The 90–72 Tigers finished one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals.<ref>{{cite web|title=2014 American League Season Summary|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2014.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071038/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2014.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Tigers faced the [[2014 Baltimore Orioles season|Baltimore Orioles]] in the [[2014 American League Division Series]], where they were swept, 3–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nelson Cruz homer all Orioles need to sweep Tigers, advance to ALCS|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/341005106|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115235559/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/id/341005106|archive-date=January 15, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> [[J. D. Martinez]] became the first player in franchise history to hit home runs in his first two career postseason games. Both were part of back-to-back homers, with Víctor Martínez and [[Nick Castellanos]] in Games 1 and 2, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Berry|title=Tigers hit back-to-back homers in second straight game|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-hit-back-to-back-homers-in-second-straight-game/c-97442000|website=MLB.com|date=October 3, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2018|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071007/https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-hit-back-to-back-homers-in-second-straight-game/c-97442000|url-status=live}}</ref>