Way back in May of 2014, something magical began to unfold in Detroit. After trading Prince Fielder for Ian Kinsler that offseason, and pausing for an unfortunate detour into a disastrous bullpen makeover, the Tigers picked up a journeyman outfielder named J.D. Martinez in the spring after he was released by the Houston Astros. For two years, Martinez had struggled mightily despite a combination of power and hitting pedigree that promised more. The Astros had prospects like George Springer and Robbie Grossman ready to play. Martinez became expendable. Baseball.
Quite a break for the Tigers, and despite the fact that 2014 was the end of their run as AL Central champions, the thrill of that offense, and Martinez’s breakout, remains a fantastic memory.