Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joins the "Days of Roar" podcast to chat with Evan and Mark. Hinch talks about the fans in Detroit, building a culture for the team over the past four seasons, players buying into team philosophies, the opener-bulk reliever pitching strategy after the trade deadline, the postseason run, and how the 2025 Tigers could look different than the 2024 Tigers. Before Hinch, the guys discuss the projected Opening Day payroll and how much money the Tigers can add to the books before the 2025 season, plus if the Tigers should trade for Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After Hinch, Mark and Evan break down three other trade ideas for the Tigers to upgrade at first base.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here.

Read Evan's most recent work here

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joins the "Days of Roar" podcast to chat with Evan and Mark. Hinch talks about the fans in Detroit, building a culture for the team over the past four seasons, players buying into team philosophies, the opener-bulk reliever pitching strategy after the trade deadline, the postseason run, and how the 2025 Tigers could look different than the 2024 Tigers. Before Hinch, the guys discuss the projected Opening Day payroll and how much money the Tigers can add to the books before the 2025 season, plus if the Tigers should trade for Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After Hinch, Mark and Evan break down three other trade ideas for the Tigers to upgrade at first base.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a> 
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Hosted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Days of Roar can generally be found every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Tigers. Evan brings insider insights and analysis as a Tigers beat writer. Days of Roar is your go-to Tigers podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hosted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Days of Roar can generally be found every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Tigers. Evan brings insider insights and analysis as a Tigers beat writer. Days of Roar is your go-to Tigers podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Days of Roar: A Free Press Sports Detroit Tigers Podcast

A.J. Hinch joins Days of Roar to talk Detroit Tigers

Pitchers and catchers reported, position players participated in the first full-squad workout — and now, the Detroit Tigers are counting down the days to the first Grapefruit League game of spring training. The Tigers marked the start of camp by making their most popular move of the 2025-26 offseason, signing franchise icon Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract — after losing Reese Olson for the entire 2026 season to a shoulder surgery. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to the signing of Verlander and the injury to Olson. They also share the biggest takeaways from the first week of spring training, updates on Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson and break down the latest surrounding top prospect Kevin McGonigle. Former Tigers catcher Alex Avila joins the show for an extended conversation about Verlander's return to the Tigers, offering insight into what the reunion means on and off the field. He reflects on Verlander's evolution as a pitcher and a person, while detailing his expectations for the Tigers' star-studded rotation. To close, Evan and Chris discuss what they'll be watching as spring training games get underway.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Pitchers and catchers reported, position players participated in the first full-squad workout &mdash; and now, the Detroit Tigers are counting down the days to the first Grapefruit League game of spring training. The Tigers marked the start of camp by making their most popular move of the 2025-26 offseason, signing franchise icon Justin Verlander to a one-year, $13 million contract &mdash; after losing Reese Olson for the entire 2026 season to a shoulder surgery. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to the signing of Verlander and the injury to Olson. They also share the biggest takeaways from the first week of spring training, updates on Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson and break down the latest surrounding top prospect Kevin McGonigle. Former Tigers catcher Alex Avila joins the show for an extended conversation about Verlander's return to the Tigers, offering insight into what the reunion means on and off the field. He reflects on Verlander's evolution as a pitcher and a person, while detailing his expectations for the Tigers' star-studded rotation. To close, Evan and Chris discuss what they'll be watching as spring training games get underway.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Justin Verlander returns to Detroit Tigers; Alex Avila breaks down reunion from all angles

Producer's note: This podcast was recorded before Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract and Reese Olson was ruled out for the 2026 season after shoulder surgery. Check freep.com/sports for the latest Tigers coverage — and this podcast feed for additional updates.

As Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Lance Brozdowski — the player development analyst for the Marquee Sports Network — joins "Days of Roar" to evaluate the starting rotation and the bullpen ahead of the 2026 season, including the one-two punch atop the rotation with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez. Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the biggest storylines to watch in camp, including if Colt Keith can lock down third base. They also build their projected 26-man roster for Opening Day, featuring a debate about Javier Báez and Zach McKinstry at shortstop until Kevin McGonigle arrives. To end the show, Chandler Rome — the Houston Astros beat writer for The Athletic — joins to discuss the Tigers signing Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract, explaining everything to know about the newcomer nicknamed "La Grasa," from his elite durability to his mental meltdowns.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Producer's note: This podcast was recorded before <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2026/02/10/justin-verlander-detroit-tigers-contract-2026/88608311007/">Justin Verlander signed a one-year contract</a> and <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2026/02/10/reese-olson-injury-tigers-starting-rotation/88511267007/">Reese Olson was ruled out for the 2026 season after shoulder surgery</a>. Check <a href="http://freep.com/sports" aria-label="Link freep.com/sports">freep.com/sports</a> for the latest Tigers coverage &mdash; and this podcast feed for additional updates.
As Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Lance Brozdowski &mdash; the player development analyst for the Marquee Sports Network &mdash; joins "Days of Roar" to evaluate the starting rotation and the bullpen ahead of the 2026 season, including the one-two punch atop the rotation with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez. Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the biggest storylines to watch in camp, including if Colt Keith can lock down third base. They also build their projected 26-man roster for Opening Day, featuring a debate about Javier B&aacute;ez and Zach McKinstry at shortstop until Kevin McGonigle arrives. To end the show, Chandler Rome &mdash; the Houston Astros beat writer for The Athletic &mdash; joins to discuss the Tigers signing Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract, explaining everything to know about the newcomer nicknamed "La Grasa," from his elite durability to his mental meltdowns.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

Spring training begins as pitchers, catchers report; Lance Brozdowski analyzes Detroit Tigers' rotation, bullpen

Left-hander Tarik Skubal took down the Detroit Tigers in a record-breaking arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season rather than the $19 million proposed by the Tigers. To break down the case, former Tigers executive Mike Smith joins Evan Petzold for a special "Days of Roar" bonus episode. Smith, an expert in salary arbitration, takes a detailed look at the historic showdown between the Tigers and Skubal, including how the process works — and what ultimately decided the case for the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Left-hander Tarik Skubal took down the Detroit Tigers in a record-breaking arbitration case, securing a $32 million salary for the 2026 season rather than the $19 million proposed by the Tigers. To break down the case, former Tigers executive Mike Smith joins Evan Petzold for a special "Days of Roar" bonus episode. Smith, an expert in salary arbitration, takes a detailed look at the historic showdown between the Tigers and Skubal, including how the process works &mdash; and what ultimately decided the case for the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner.
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>

A.J. Hinch joins Days of Roar to talk Detroit Tigers

Days of Roar: A Free Press Sports Detroit Tigers Podcast

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