Every championship-caliber baseball team has its surprise breakout story—and in 2025, the Detroit Tigers may have found theirs in catcher Dillon Dingler . Once seen as a depth option behind the plate, Dingler has emerged as a crucial piece of the puzzle as the Tigers chase postseason glory. Thanks in no small part to his efforts, Detroit sits atop the MLB standings with a 39-21 record heading into June.
Is Dillon Dingler turning into the cornerstone of a new Tigers dynasty?
What makes Dingler’s surge all the more remarkable is how unexpected it was. Just last season, he managed only a .167 average in 27 games and entered this year without a guaranteed starting role. But fast forward to now, and the 26-year-old is batting .299 with five home runs, 22 RBI, and a 122 OPS+—proof that his offensive production is well above league average. He’s not just swinging the bat with confidence; he’s also commanding the strike zone and delivering when it matters most.
Behind the plate, Dingler’s impact might be even more impressive. He leads all catchers in blocks above average and ranks in the 91st percentile in pitch framing, showcasing both his athleticism and precision. His strong defensive presence has solidified the Tigers' infield and helped elevate the entire pitching staff.
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal offered high praise after a dominant outing, crediting his success in part to Dingler’s instincts and game-calling ability. “Ding called a great game,” Skubal said following his two-hit, seven-inning shutout. “We were on the same page all day. Great target. Great feel for mixing in some bigger spin in certain counts.” That kind of chemistry between pitcher and catcher often flies under the radar, but it’s the lifeblood of elite teams.
Manager A.J. Hinch , a former big-league catcher himself, has been vocal about his belief in Dingler. “I think this is who he is,” Hinch said. “He’s done this now for a long time. He finds a way to contribute on both sides of the ball. He’s a really good catcher.”
From offensive reliability to defensive mastery, Dingler’s all-around play has not only secured him the starting role over Eric Haase’s replacement, Jake Rogers, but also helped energize a Tigers team with legitimate October aspirations. If this is indeed who Dillon Dingler is, Detroit might just have found their X-factor for a deep playoff run.
Also Read: Arizona’s victory overshadowed by Corbin Burnes injury scare—manager provides concerning elbow update postgame
Is Dillon Dingler turning into the cornerstone of a new Tigers dynasty?
What makes Dingler’s surge all the more remarkable is how unexpected it was. Just last season, he managed only a .167 average in 27 games and entered this year without a guaranteed starting role. But fast forward to now, and the 26-year-old is batting .299 with five home runs, 22 RBI, and a 122 OPS+—proof that his offensive production is well above league average. He’s not just swinging the bat with confidence; he’s also commanding the strike zone and delivering when it matters most.
Among position players, Dillon Dingler now leads the Tigers and is tied for 10th in the American League with 1.9 fWAR.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) May 31, 2025
Tigers hitters have combined for 10.2 fWAR so far this year, the second-highest total among AL teams. https://t.co/6QFP1eMu8a opens in a few days 👀 pic.twitter.com/LABmJc1ZUj
Behind the plate, Dingler’s impact might be even more impressive. He leads all catchers in blocks above average and ranks in the 91st percentile in pitch framing, showcasing both his athleticism and precision. His strong defensive presence has solidified the Tigers' infield and helped elevate the entire pitching staff.
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal offered high praise after a dominant outing, crediting his success in part to Dingler’s instincts and game-calling ability. “Ding called a great game,” Skubal said following his two-hit, seven-inning shutout. “We were on the same page all day. Great target. Great feel for mixing in some bigger spin in certain counts.” That kind of chemistry between pitcher and catcher often flies under the radar, but it’s the lifeblood of elite teams.
Manager A.J. Hinch , a former big-league catcher himself, has been vocal about his belief in Dingler. “I think this is who he is,” Hinch said. “He’s done this now for a long time. He finds a way to contribute on both sides of the ball. He’s a really good catcher.”
From offensive reliability to defensive mastery, Dingler’s all-around play has not only secured him the starting role over Eric Haase’s replacement, Jake Rogers, but also helped energize a Tigers team with legitimate October aspirations. If this is indeed who Dillon Dingler is, Detroit might just have found their X-factor for a deep playoff run.
Also Read: Arizona’s victory overshadowed by Corbin Burnes injury scare—manager provides concerning elbow update postgame
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