by Holly Horning Other than Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tiger most discussed during the 2025 season has been Riley Greene. For both good and bad reasons. Greene, the former #1 draft pick, had a…
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WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers
Other than Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tiger most discussed during the 2025 season has been Riley Greene. For both good and bad reasons.
Greene, the former #1 draft pick, had an up-and-down year. Despite hitting a career-high 36 HRs and 111 RBIs in 2025, his WAR plummeted from 2024’s 5.4 WAR to 2.1 WAR this season. A decline of more than one-half.
It is attributed to a range of factors including a serious drop in defensive performance. He ranks as the team’s worst defensive player with a -7 DRS. In 2024, he actually had a +7 DRS.
But there were other factors in his value’s decline. A drop in batting average, a record-setting strikeout record for both the Tigers and the American League and a very low walk rate.
Greene is still young, recently turning 25. This is his 4th year at the MLB level. Potentially, the next 4 years are optimal for performance given the stats.
However, there is concern over the health of his legs. He’s had multiple leg injuries and hamstring concerns. As a result, the Tigers moved him from CF to LF and put him on a daily conditioning program to strengthen his legs and hamstrings
Riley’s career stats so far show him to be slightly above average in BA, SLG and OPS. He is below average in OBP is due to his high strikeout rate combined with a very low walk rate.
What caught fans’ attention this year were the contradictory statements made by manager and player.
A. J. Hinch’s stated that he and the coaches have been trying to work with Riley all season on his hitting mechanics and
“poor pitch selection” in order to help him cut down on strikeouts. Obviously, they have a concern.
However, Greene recently said that the team doesn’t care about how much he strikes out and he doesn’t either.
Eyebrows were also raised when a reporter had to inform him that the team struck out 19 times in a recent playoff game. Riley was very surprised to hear this.
He also said
“It is what it is.” twice when the Tigers lost several playoff games. He came across as uncaring and unaware.
Greene’s arrival at the MLB was eagerly awaited. He has been one of the most visible faces of the team and earned 2 All-Star nods.
But what about his future? Do the issues surrounding his legs, strikeouts and comments give you pause?
Or do you think that he will stabilize, adapt to the new corporate culture and improve as a player?
Most importantly, do you believe that Greene will remain a fixture with the team beyond the 2026 season?
Or could his job be usurped in the near future with the rise of Wenceel Perez and imminent arrivals of top prospects Max Clark, Nick Dumesnil and Cris Rodriguez?
Will Riley Greene remain a part of the Tigers' long-term plans to remake the roster?
1. Yes, he'll remain with the team long-term.
2. No, his importance will diminish once top prospects arrive.
VOTE