Dillon Dingler shines as Tigers’ defensive stalwart and offensive contributor despite missing All-Breakout Team nod
The Detroit Tigers are currently navigating a tumultuous stretch, witnessing what could be described as one of the most significant collapses in MLB history. Just weeks ago, they boasted a commanding 9.5-game lead in the American League Central, with fans already envisioning a postseason run. However, as of September 22, that lead has dwindled to a precarious one-game advantage, and their playoff aspirations have taken a hit. With the surging Cleveland Guardians breathing down their necks, the Tigers face an uphill battle to regain their footing in the final week of the season.
Dingler’s Emergence Amidst Turmoil
Amidst this challenging scenario, one player stands out as a beacon of hope for the Tigers: catcher Dillon Dingler. Rising to the occasion, Dingler has transformed from a backup into a key contributor both offensively and defensively. His unexpected emergence has provided a much-needed boost to a team grappling with inconsistency.
Dingler was recently recognized as one of the honorable mentions for the MLB All-Breakout Team, an accolade that speaks volumes about his performance this season. Alongside him in this recognition were Carson Kelly of the Chicago Cubs and Tyler Heineman of the Toronto Blue Jays, while Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies secured the starting role. Despite not making the final cut, Dingler’s inclusion in the conversation underscores his impressive campaign.
A Season of Transformation
At the outset of the season, Dingler was slated to serve as the backup to Jake Rogers. However, when Rogers succumbed to injury, Dingler seized the opportunity and has since thrived. His offensive statistics paint a compelling picture of his progress: a .274 batting average with a .322 on-base percentage and a .424 slugging percentage. This marks a significant leap from his initial foray into the majors in 2024, where he struggled with a .167 batting average.
In 2023, Dingler has belted 13 home runs, racked up 20 doubles, and contributed three triples, driving in 57 runs along the way. His 3.1 bWAR positions him as a contender in the AL Rookie of the Year race, further highlighting his breakout season.
Defensive Excellence
However, Dingler’s contributions extend well beyond his bat. Defensively, he has demonstrated an elite skill set behind the plate. With a Fielding Run Value of +14, he ranks in the 97th percentile among catchers, excelling in virtually every defensive metric on Baseball Savant. His knee-down setup, which he employs 97% of the time, has not hindered his ability to block pitches, as he ranks as the third-best blocker in the game. Additionally, he sits fifth in MLB for catcher framing runs, accumulating eight.
Dingler’s batted ball profile suggests that his offensive success is sustainable, indicating that this breakout performance is not merely a fleeting moment in time. As the Tigers look to navigate the critical final stretch of the season, Dillon Dingler has emerged as a pivotal player who embodies both resilience and potential.
In the midst of a turbulent season for the Tigers, Dingler’s rise has provided a silver lining. His dual-threat capability as a catcher—both defensively and offensively—positions him as a central figure in the team’s efforts to reclaim their earlier momentum and push towards a competitive finish.
