The Detroit Tigers have been on a journey of self-discovery under AJ Hinch, and 2024 was the year they truly found their groove. The word “opportunistic” perfectly encapsulates the Tigers’ approach in the latter half of that season. Hinch’s strategic decisions, coupled with players seizing every chance to exploit opponents’ slip-ups and taking extra bases, allowed the Tigers to maximize their potential, even with a roster that wasn’t flawless.
Smart baserunning has become a cornerstone of the Tigers’ game plan. By the end of the 2025 regular season, they led Major League Baseball in extra bases taken (XBT), boasting a 54% rate.
This aggressive approach on the base paths is largely credited to third base coach Joey Cora. Riley Greene, one of the team’s standout players, recalled a pivotal moment in August 2024 when Cora delivered a fiery pep talk.
Greene couldn’t quote Cora verbatim but shared that the message was clear: “Just go.” And go they did, sparking a hot streak that propelled them forward.
Fast forward to June 2026, and while the Tigers are showing improvement compared to May, they still seem to be grappling with some internal challenges. It’s not the identity crisis they faced last month, but it’s evident they’re ironing out some kinks. Cora, in particular, has been under scrutiny from fans, especially after a questionable decision in a recent game against the Yankees.
The Tigers have had six runners thrown out at home from second base this season, leading the league in this unfortunate statistic. This has put Cora in the spotlight, especially after a specific play where Greene was waved home from second on a shallow hit by Hao-Yu Lee.
Cody Bellinger, with his formidable arm, fielded the ball cleanly and threw Greene out comfortably at the plate. While Greene’s speed is respectable, Bellinger’s defensive prowess made Cora’s decision to send Greene questionable at best.
It’s clear that the Tigers’ baserunning woes aren’t solely on Cora’s shoulders, but they are a significant factor in their struggles. As they continue to refine their identity, addressing these baserunning issues will be crucial for the Tigers to fully realize their potential and return to the form that made them so formidable in 2024.