The Detroit Tigers got some well-earned national recognition to end the week as Riley Greene and Zach McKinstry both took home Silver Slugger Awards, Greene in the outfield and McKinstry in the utility category.
Riley Greene’s Power Arrives
Riley Greene’s 2025 season was the breakout many had been waiting for. After teasing flashes of power in previous years, Greene put it all together at the plate, finishing with a .258/.313/.493 line, 36 home runs, and 111 RBIs. That power output ranked among the top 10 in baseball and finally gave Detroit the middle-of-the-order bat it’s been missing since the peak of Miguel Cabrera’s run.
Greene’s first half of the season was the version of him scouts projected back in the 2019 draft, smooth, balanced, and dangerous. He hit .284 with 24 home runs before the All-Star break, driving the ball to all fields with authority. The second half wasn’t quite as loud statistically, but the talent was undeniable. He adjusted to tougher pitching, dealt with a few nagging injuries, and still showed improved plate discipline and barrel consistency.
This award makes Greene the first Tigers outfielder to win a Silver Slugger since J.D. Martinez in 2015, and it couldn’t come at a better time. For all the talk about Detroit needing “that guy” to carry the offense, Greene has positioned himself to be that presence for years to come. The Silver Slugger doesn’t just validate his talent, it cements him as a legitimate cornerstone piece in the Tigers’ lineup moving forward.
Zach McKinstry: The Underdog Utility Man
Zach McKinstry’s award might not have been as predictable, but it’s just as deserved. The Toledo native turned in a season that showcased his versatility and steady offensive production. Playing all over the field, second base, third, short, and both corner outfield spots, McKinstry hit .259/.333/.438 with 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases in just over 500 plate appearances.
He was especially hot early in the year, hitting close to .285 with extra-base power and a knack for finding gaps. His first half production gave the Tigers a spark when the lineup desperately needed one. While his numbers cooled off in the later months, his value never dipped. McKinstry’s consistency and adaptability made him one of the most quietly important players on Detroit’s roster.
Winning a Silver Slugger in the utility category speaks volumes about his impact. It’s not easy to stay productive while bouncing between positions and roles, yet McKinstry managed to do it with professionalism and energy every day. For a player who’s fought for opportunities throughout his career, this award is a milestone moment.
A Step Forward for Detroit
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Tigers had multiple players recognized among the league’s best hitters, a tangible sign that this organization is turning the corner. Greene represents the young core and the future power of the franchise. McKinstry symbolizes the kind of depth and reliability that winning teams need over 162 games.
Detroit’s offense still has work to do, but the Silver Slugger nods to Greene and McKinstry are reminders that progress is happening. The Tigers have been searching for players who can hit and set a tone. In 2025, two of them just did, and the rest of baseball took notice.
