The unexpected slugger carrying the Tigers' offense

Reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is dealing. Top prospect Kevin McGonigle has lived up to the hype. And free-agent acquisition Framber Valdez has been everything Detroit expected.

However, no Tigers player has made a larger impact this season than catcher Dillon Dingler.

After winning his first Gold Glove Award a year ago, Dingler has continued to play strong defense, even adding another layer to his profile with his performance in MLB’s new ABS challenge system -- where he ranks as the top catcher.

But it’s his work with the bat that’s really elevated his value.

The Tigers have been starved for power, hitting just 17 home runs through 23 games. Dingler, though, has been mashing, recording a team-leading five dingers. Kerry Carpenter is the only other Tigers hitter with multiple homers.

Dingler, who finished with 13 home runs last season, also leads the Tigers in RBIs (18) and OPS (.936), and it hasn’t been merely stat-padding in low-pressure spots.

All five of his homers and 16 of his 18 RBIs have come in Detroit wins, and he’s posted a .344/.432/.688 over 37 plate appearances in medium- and high-leverage situations. That includes the three-run homer he hit off Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet with two outs in the fifth inning on Sunday, pushing Detroit's lead from 2-1 to 5-1.

And that doesn't even capture the full extent of his performance this season. Just look at his expected wOBA, a Statcast metric that takes quality of contact into account along with a player’s strikeout and walk totals.

It isn’t just elite, it's the second-best mark in MLB.

Highest xwOBA, 2026
Among 277 qualifying hitters

1. Yordan Alvarez, .553
2. Dillon Dingler, .475
3. Mike Trout, .474
4. Freddie Freeman, .463
5. Ben Rice, .461

That figure not only makes it easier to buy into his current production, but also suggests he may have another gear to unlock.

Dingler will look to stay hot when the Tigers host the Brewers tonight at 6:40 p.m. ET.