What Is 2014 Detroit Tigers baseball team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Detroit Tigers finished the MLB season with a 90–72 record, placing second in the American League Central. They were led by stars Miguel Cabrera and Max Scherzer, who won the AL Cy Young Award in 2013 but struggled to maintain consistency in 2014.

Key Facts

The 2014 Detroit Tigers posted a 90–72 win-loss record during the regular season
They finished 2nd in the American League Central, 3 games behind the AL Central-winning Kansas City Royals
Max Scherzer started the season strong, throwing a no-hitter on June 18, 2014, against the Cleveland Indians
Miguel Cabrera hit .316 with 25 home runs and 109 RBIs despite battling injuries late in the season
The Tigers were eliminated in the ALCS by the Kansas City Royals in seven games after winning the ALDS

Overview

The 2014 Detroit Tigers represented one of the final competitive seasons of a core group led by Miguel Cabrera, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander. After reaching the World Series in 2012 and the ALCS in 2013, expectations remained high for a deep postseason run in 2014.

Despite a strong start and a 90-win season, the Tigers fell short of a World Series appearance, losing in the American League Championship Series. Injuries, bullpen inconsistencies, and late-season struggles ultimately prevented a deeper playoff impact.

Regular Season Record: The Tigers finished with a 90–72 record, the second-best in the American League Central behind the Kansas City Royals’ 89–73, though the Royals won the division due to tiebreaker rules.
Division Standing: They placed second in the AL Central, just three games behind the Royals, failing to secure a division title for the first time since 2010.
Postseason Appearance: Detroit won the AL Wild Card Game against the Oakland Athletics, advancing to the ALDS where they defeated the Baltimore Orioles in five games.
ALCS Outcome: The Tigers lost the ALCS to the Kansas City Royals in seven games, despite holding a 3–2 series lead, marking their third consecutive year eliminated by the eventual AL pennant winner.
Manager:Brad Ausmus, in his second season as manager, guided the team with a focus on fundamentals, though bullpen management drew criticism during high-pressure playoff games.

How It Works

The 2014 Tigers’ season operated around a veteran core, a high-stakes rotation, and a transition in team leadership. Understanding how the team functioned requires examining key players, strategies, and pivotal moments.

Starting Rotation: The Tigers relied on a top-heavy rotation led by Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and David Price, who was acquired mid-season; Scherzer threw a no-hitter on June 18 against Cleveland, the first of his career.
Bullpen Strategy: Closer Joe Nathan struggled with injuries and effectiveness, leading to 9 blown saves; setup man Joba Chamberlain and Al Alburquerque saw increased usage in critical situations.
Injury Impact: Key players like Victor Martinez and Don Kelly missed significant time, while Verlander battled shoulder fatigue, limiting him to 22 starts and 148 innings.
Offensive Core:Miguel Cabrera remained elite, posting a .316 batting average and 109 RBIs, but lacked consistent run support from a middle-of-the-order decline in late innings.
Mid-Season Trade: The Tigers acquired David Price from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, 2014, in a move aimed at bolstering playoff chances; he went 3–3 with a 3.45 ERA in 11 regular-season starts.
Defensive Adjustments: Third baseman Don Kelly and shortstop Andrew Romine were frequently used in utility roles, reflecting a lack of depth behind regular starters Brandon Inge and Jose Iglesias.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2014 Tigers to recent seasons highlights shifts in performance, roster strength, and postseason outcomes.

Season	Record	AL Central Finish	Postseason Result	Key Addition
2012	88–74	1st	Lost World Series (4–0 to Giants)	Announcer role for Al Kaline
2013	93–69	1st	Lost ALCS (4–2 to Red Sox)	Max Scherzer (Cy Young season)
2014	90–72	2nd	Lost ALCS (4–3 to Royals)	David Price (mid-season trade)
2015	74–87	4th	No postseason	None (rebuilding phase)
2016	86–75	3rd	No postseason	J.D. Martinez (emergence)

The 2014 season marked a turning point: despite a strong record and major trade deadline moves, the Tigers could not advance past the ALCS. The loss to Kansas City signaled the end of a dominant era, as key players aged and the team entered a rebuilding phase by 2015.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Detroit Tigers season is significant as the last competitive chapter of a golden era in franchise history. It showcased elite individual performances while exposing systemic weaknesses that would soon lead to a rebuild.

End of an Era: The 2014 ALCS loss marked the final playoff appearance for the Tigers until 2024, ending a streak of four consecutive postseason berths from 2011–2014.
Max Scherzer’s Departure: After the season, Scherzer left in free agency for the Washington Nationals, signing a 7-year, $210 million deal, marking a shift in MLB’s pitcher market.
David Price’s Impact: Though acquired for a deep run, Price’s performance highlighted the risk of short-term rentals; he went 0–2 in the ALCS despite strong regular-season numbers.
Managerial Scrutiny: Brad Ausmus faced criticism for bullpen usage, especially in Game 6 of the ALCS, where Joakim Soria allowed a key home run.
Franchise Transition: The Tigers began a rebuild in 2015, trading Verlander, J.D. Martinez, and Justin Upton, signaling the end of the Cabrera-led core.
Legacy of Miguel Cabrera: Cabrera’s 2014 season reinforced his status as one of MLB’s best hitters, with a .316 average and 109 RBIs in 147 games.

The 2014 campaign remains a bittersweet memory for Tigers fans—a season of promise, strong performances, and near misses that underscored the fleeting nature of championship windows in modern baseball.