Much is in question still about who will be a long-term staple in the Detroit Tigers future. One name that is all but solidified and stamped and that is Riley Greene. He has now been selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game this time as a starter. At the age of 24 Greene has emerged as a premiere power hitter and run producer in the Major Leagues. He is primed for a massive raise going into his first year of arbitration but ultimately a long-term extension for years to come.

Greene was drafted 5th overall in the 2019 draft and has advanced through the system as a homegrown talent that has been successful since day one, with only injuries holding him back. Now in 2025, he has ascended once again to a different level. He will blow all of his statical highs out of the water this year, with the biggest key being health. Greene has a current slash-line of .281/.331/.543/.874. He’s faired just good enough against left-handed pitching to warrant not being platooned for a better option and he has the versatility to play all outfield positions. His overall success at the plate is such, that it would behoove you to not find a place for him, even if it means giving him a night off in the field and simply DH him.

Greene has large amount of chase and swing and miss in his approach but he more than makes up for that with the amount of damage he creates when he connects with his massive uppercut swing. Greene was a much more selective hitter in year’s past but his current approach appears to be the one he’ll stick with for the time being. His ability to hit the ball with authority to all fields plays well and he has always been a player that hits the ball for average. He is a career .270 hitter.

RILEY GREENE IS ELITE pic.twitter.com/0k5zryEtCT

— Calico Joe (@CalicoJoeMLB) July 20, 2025

Greene is quintessential young, homegrown, left-handed power bat that the Tigers have longed for years. He is the perfect building block to mold a team around that will be successful for the foreseeable future. If he has the capability to hit for a little more contact and cut down on the strikeouts, he may have another tier of success that he can reach. Riley leads all of baseball with 128 strikeouts. Greene doesn’t display a natural give of speed and athleticism, but he’s an average defender and will occasionally dazzle the crowd with a nice diving stab in the outfield.

The Tigers are currently getting great value out of Greene, especially considering he’s only making $812,400 this year. Going into next year he will be entering his first of 3 years of arbitration, meaning he will get a nice bump in pay. Detroit can ill-afford to let him get anywhere near the open market and will likely inquire extending long-term well before he is eligible in 2029.