Former World Series Champion Makes Major Tigers, Yankees Statement Amid Heated AL Race
Former World Series Champion Makes Major Tigers, Yankees Statement Amid Heated AL Race originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The American League in the MLB has been on fire to begin the 2025 season.
As the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners take the lead in each of their respective divisions, it's difficult to determine which team will finish the regular season as the No. 1 seed in the postseason.
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With the Detroit Tigers having the best record in baseball, it's hard to stray away from them as the leaders of the AL Central have found a winning formula in 2025.
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson celebrates a big moment with teammates versus the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees present an interesting debate, led by the current AL MVP favorite, Aaron Judge, and will be difficult to beat as the defending American League champions in 2024.
Dontrelle Willis makes decision on which team is better, the Tigers or the Yankees
After another dominant victory against their division rival, the Chicago White Sox, former World Series champion Dontrelle Willis gave his opinion on the debate between the Yankees and the Tigers.
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"I'm gonna say the Tigers because they're playing with conviction and they believe in each other," Willis said. "They are gonna go up against the Yankees, and it's going to be a tough outing, and I'm picking Detroit to get over the hump."
Being led by former Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal, first baseman Spencer Torkelson and squad, the Detroit Tigers have won seven of their last eight games, and will look to continue their hot streak to begin the season.
So far this season, the Tigers have the advantage after winning the first series matchup in early April.
Although the Yankees have arguably the best player in baseball in Aaron Judge, and one of the best aces in Max Fried, it will be an interesting matchup to watch if the two teams end up player each other in October.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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