The Detroit Tigers have become one of the most remarkable stories in the sports world over the last month, and it got even wilder on Wednesday.
The Tigers rallied past the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card series on Wednesday to sweep the best-of-three and advance to the ALDS. It is the latest chapter in a hugely unexpected story, as the team was 10 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot before going on a 31-13 run to end the year.
Some other stats have emerged that put the run in even more remarkable context. The combined payroll of the roster they took to the Wild Card series is just $18.8 million, which, as Chris Vannini of The Athletic pointed out, means their roster is cheaper than that of multiple college football teams.
There are college football teams paying players more money than the Detroit Tigers' playoff roster. https://t.co/WxqY9NA7el
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 2, 2024
The Tigers’ highest-paid player is shortstop Javier Baez at $25 million annually, but he is injured and out for the season. Second in annual salary is pitcher Kenta Maeda at $14 million, but he was ineffective for most of the season and was left off the team’s playoff roster. That leaves rookie second baseman Colt Keith, who signed a six-year, $28 million deal before he even made his MLB debut, as the playoff roster’s highest-paid figure.
Obviously, this does not reflect the true value of Detroit’s roster. Tarik Skubal is almost certain to win the AL Cy Young and will see his $2.65 million salary go way up in his second year of arbitration. Still, there are plenty of journeymen on the roster who are making close to the league minimum, including the player who provided the game-winning hit in Wednesday’s clincher.
