Wednesday’s American League wild-card game between the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros showcased that spending doesn’t guarantee victories. The Tigers’ entire 26-man wild-card roster boasts a total salary of $18.8 million, which is less than the annual salary of Astros reliever Josh Hader, who earns $19 million.
ABSOLUTELY INSANE! MOTOWN MAGIC, BABY! 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9MwumOxei6
— theScore (@theScore) October 2, 2024
Most of the Tigers’ payroll is tied up in Kenta Maeda, who makes $14 million, with only three other players earning over $1 million each, according to Spotrac.
Despite the significant payroll gap, Detroit triumphed over Houston 5-2, earning a place in the American League Division Series. Hader pitched 1.1 innings, giving up three hits, an earned run, and a walk.
The Tigers concluded the regular season with an impressive run, winning 15 of their last 21 games to secure a postseason spot. This playoff appearance marks their first since the 2014 season when they clinched the AL Central and reached the divisional series.
Following their victory over the Astros in the wild-card series, Detroit will face the No. 2-seeded Cleveland Guardians in the divisional series. Although Cleveland has been one of the strongest teams in the American League this year, the Tigers carry significant momentum and will aim to extend their remarkable journey on Saturday.
