Detroit Tigers Head to Break with Another Star in Mize for Atlanta
Casey Mize, once a symbol of Detroit’s rebuilding process and its setbacks, is finally stepping into the spotlight. As the Tigers head into the All-Star break, Mize has earned a spot on the American League roster—a well-deserved recognition for his resurgence this season, which has re-established him as a cornerstone of Detroit’s future.
Mize isn’t the only Tiger heading to Atlanta; Detroit is sending six players in total, tying a franchise record. Along with Mize, the Tigers are sending Riley Greene, Gleyber Torres, Javier Báez, Tarik Skubal, Zach McKinstry, and even bat boy Frankie Boyd. This group signals that Detroit’s long rebuild might be nearing its end.
“I’m really excited and obviously grateful,” Mize said. “There’s still a long road ahead, but this feels like a big validation after everything I’ve been through.”
The Road Back
Mize, drafted No. 1 overall in 2018, faced a rocky road after his debut was delayed by injuries, including a significant Tommy John surgery in 2022. His MLB debut in 2020 didn’t go as expected, and the following seasons were marked by inconsistency.
The Tommy John surgery took nearly two years from his career and cast doubt on whether he would ever return to the level of a top overall pick. Even after making his comeback, Mize struggled to regain the sharpness and command that had made him such a highly regarded prospect.
The recovery wasn’t just physical; it was a mental battle, as Mize faced numerous rehab sessions and uncertainty about his future in the game. Many fans began to wonder if he would ever live up to his early promise.
“I just wanted to get my health back, but even when I returned, I wasn’t quite as sharp as I hoped to be,” Mize admitted.
However, 2025 has been a turning point. The Tigers’ No. 5 starter has posted a 9-3 record with a 3.15 ERA entering mid-July. While he doesn’t have a true “out” pitch, his mix of fastballs, a sharp splitter, slider, and curveball has effectively kept hard contact to a minimum.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch expressed pride in Mize’s journey: “I know how much pride he takes in not just the results, but the journey he’s been through to get here. His teammates, including Tarik Skubal, have witnessed his incredible season, and it’s been amazing to watch.”
Mize’s solid performances, including a strong start against the Guardians, earned him a spot in the All-Star Game as a replacement for Boston’s Garrett Crochet.
Tigers Poised for a Strong Second Half
With six All-Stars, the Tigers are now firmly in contention, showing they’re more than just a surprise team. They became the first MLB team to reach 50 wins by late June, thanks to balanced production on both offense and defense. Under Hinch’s leadership, the clubhouse is filled with quiet confidence, with key contributions from veterans and rising stars like Skubal, Greene, and a rejuvenated Báez.
Mize’s inclusion in the All-Star Game further solidifies Detroit’s transformation from a rebuilding team to a legitimate contender. Whether he pitches in relief or gets an inning as a starter, Mize’s selection reflects the respect he’s earned across the league and signals that he is now a key part of the Tigers’ present and future.
Mize’s Evolving Arsenal
One of the most interesting aspects of Mize’s resurgence is the evolution of his pitching arsenal. Before his Tommy John surgery, Mize was known for a devastating splitter, though he often struggled with command, leading to high pitch counts and walks.
Post-surgery, he’s refined the pitch, using it as a more controlled weapon that generates weak groundballs rather than chasing strikeouts. His fastball has also become a more trusted tool. Early in his career, Mize would lose confidence in his fastball after hitters made good contact, but now he’s able to command it on both sides of the plate, occasionally elevating it for swing-and-miss strikes.
Additionally, his slider and curveball have improved in both shape and deception. This has resulted in fewer hard-hit balls and more efficient innings, positioning Mize as a reliable arm for the second half of the season.
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