Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle made the Opening Day roster — and the 21-year-old recorded four hits in his first game as the Tigers earned an 8-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Opening Day. He became the first Tigers player since 1987 (and the second in franchise history) to collect four hits in his MLB debut, which included a two-run double to the right-field corner (nicknamed McGonigle Corner) on the first pitch he saw from Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta in the first inning. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break it all down in a bonus episode, going inside the clubhouse to hear from McGonigle, manager A.J. Hinch, president of baseball operations Scott Harris and left-hander Tarik Skubal. After the McGonigle talk, Petzold and Brown evaluate the other final roster decisions, player storylines to watch throughout the season and whether it's World Series or bust for the Tigers, plus postseason and awards predictions for both the American League and National League.

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The Detroit Tigers are finalizing their Opening Day roster with three days until the first game of the 2026 season against the San Diego Padres. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down Tarik Skubal's "lethargic" final spring training start and reveal their final roster predictions, focusing on the biggest decision: Will top prospect Kevin McGonigle make the Opening Day roster? We also dive into the other roster battles, including Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Brenan Hanifee, Enmanuel De Jesus, Burch Smith and Sean Guenther. As the season begins, Petzold and Brown identify the Tigers' biggest strength (starting rotation) and biggest weakness (bullpen), plus they dive into 10 predictions about the season, featuring Skubal, McGonigle and Justin Verlander. Kevin Acee, the Padres beat writer for The San Diego Union-Tribune, joins the show to preview the opening series between the Tigers and Padres. To wrap up, Petzold and Brown discuss whether it's too early to worry about these key players based on spring training results: Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, Colt Keith, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty.

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Opening Day roster decisions are coming down to the wire with nine days until the Detroit Tigers open the 2026 season. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the latest spring training developments, including whether the Toronto Blue Jays are already eyeing Tarik Skubal in free agency and what Enmanuel De Jesus joining the 40-man roster means for the bullpen battle. We also discuss the latest on top prospect Kevin McGonigle — including his consistent approach, the way pitchers are challenging him and his updated chances of making the Opening Day roster, plus how the Tigers are already treating him like a big leaguer in the clubhouse. Petzold and Brown identify the most important player to the Tigers' success and run through a stock watch with three players trending up and three players trending down in spring training. Jaylon Thompson, the Kansas City Royals beat writer for the Kansas City Star, joins the show to provide insight on the upcoming American League Central race. To close, Petzold and Brown revisit key roster decisions, headlined by Wenceel Pérez vs. Parker Meadows in the outfield.

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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.

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Spring training decisions are starting to take shape for the Detroit Tigers with less than four weeks until Opening Day on March 26. On "Days of Roar," Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down the Troy Melton injury and six early roster cuts, then dive into the latest on top prospect Kevin McGonigle and his real chances of making the Opening Day roster – including which position player could be on the chopping block to make room for him. We also unpack the Max Clark situation, featuring his comments and A.J. Hinch's comments amid outside criticism about his personality after dropping two fly balls in one inning. Former Tigers player and current Tigers broadcaster Andy Dirks joins the show to discuss his broadcasting journey and his outlook on the 2026 Tigers, headlined by Justin Verlander's return, Riley Greene's adjustment and McGonigle's rapid rise. To close, Petzold and Brown provide an injury update on Jackson Jobe and react to Detroit SportsNet becoming the new broadcast home of the Tigers and Red Wings.

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Spring training games are underway, and the Detroit Tigers have rolled out two alternate uniforms: an orange jersey for home games and a navy jersey for road games, with a "Days of Roar" grade for both uniforms. Evan Petzold and Chris Brown react to Tarik Skubal announcing he will make just one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, plus we discuss owner Christopher Ilitch and special assistant Miguel Cabrera stopping by TigerTown. In the Big 2, Petzold and Brown share their biggest takeaways from the first three spring training games (including what Kevin McGonigle did in his first spring game) and debate how the Tigers will sort through a crowded six-man outfield before Opening Day. Hitting expert Scott Chu, a senior fantasy analyst at Pitcher List, joins the show to provide an in-depth breakdown of the Tigers' offense, with an emphasis on Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, Colt Keith, Parker Meadows and Wenceel Pérez, along with top prospects McGonigle, Max Clark and Josue Briceño. To wrap up, Petzold and Brown discuss the best role for Keider Montero and the early bullpen struggles in spring games.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Detroit Tigers signed left-hander Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract with an opt-out clause after the second season — a move that shocked the baseball industry and created one of the best one-two punches atop a starting rotation in the game. In this special "Days of Roar" breaking news episode, Evan Petzold and Chris Brown break down all angles of the Valdez signing, including what it means for 2026 and beyond. (Stay tuned every Monday for regularly scheduled episodes.)

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