Spring training storylines are heating up for the Detroit Tigers with just 16 days until 2026 Opening Day. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to Tarik Skubal shutting down his participation for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic after one start and Justin Verlander hinting that this year could be his final season. We also break down Kevin McGonigle becoming an international sensation after hitting a 461-foot home run in the Dominican Republic — and provide an update about his chances of making the Opening Day roster. We debate other key roster questions: A left-hander like Enmanuel De Jesus or a right-hander like Burch Smith for the final bullpen spot; Casey Mize or Drew Anderson for the final rotation spot, with the other moving to the bullpen; Parker Meadows or Wenceel Pérez if McGonigle forces his way into the position player group, with the other landing in Triple-A Toledo. Bob Nightengale — USA TODAY Sports MLB columnist and insider — joins the show to discuss Skubal's contract situation. Have the Tigers offered their homegrown ace a long-term extension in the past 16 months? Nightengale has the answer, plus other information. To wrap up, we take a deep dive into the prospects selected by the Tigers for MLB's Spring Breakout showcase, including youngsters Cris Rodriguez, Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto.

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here

Spring training storylines are heating up for the Detroit Tigers with just 16 days until 2026 Opening Day. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to Tarik Skubal shutting down his participation for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic after one start and Justin Verlander hinting that this year could be his final season. We also break down Kevin McGonigle becoming an international sensation after hitting a 461-foot home run in the Dominican Republic &mdash; and provide an update about his chances of making the Opening Day roster. We debate other key roster questions: A left-hander like Enmanuel De Jesus or a right-hander like Burch Smith for the final bullpen spot; Casey Mize or Drew Anderson for the final rotation spot, with the other moving to the bullpen; Parker Meadows or Wenceel P&eacute;rez if McGonigle forces his way into the position player group, with the other landing in Triple-A Toledo. Bob Nightengale &mdash; USA TODAY Sports MLB columnist and insider &mdash; joins the show to discuss Skubal's contract situation. Have the Tigers offered their homegrown ace a long-term extension in the past 16 months? Nightengale has the answer, plus other information. To wrap up, we take a deep dive into the prospects selected by the Tigers for MLB's Spring Breakout showcase, including youngsters Cris Rodriguez, Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto.
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>

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.