For the first time in nearly a decade, the Detroit Tigers returned to ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball — and it was electric. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal put on a masterclass, leading Detroit to victory over the Minnesota Twins in front of a national audience. The game peaked at 2.3 million viewers, marking ESPN’s most-watched Sunday Night Baseball season in eight years.
That two small-to-mid-market teams like the Tigers and Twins could draw such impressive ratings should be a wake-up call for both ESPN and MLB. It’s proof that compelling baseball isn’t exclusive to big markets.
ESPN Must Highlight Great Teams, Not Just Big Markets
For years, ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball slate has been dominated by teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, and Mets. While these franchises have massive fanbases, constantly showcasing the same teams creates viewer fatigue — how many times do fans really need to see Yankees-Red Sox?
The Tigers, meanwhile, have transformed into one of baseball’s most exciting clubs, with a young core, rising stars, and a playoff-caliber roster. They were a postseason team last year and are arguably the best in the sport now, yet weren’t featured once on Sunday Night Baseball in 2024. Skubal’s brilliance and Detroit’s resurgence deserve national attention.
Sunday’s Game Was Proof of What Fans Want
Sunday night’s broadcast had everything: star power with Skubal, Byron Buxton, Riley Greene, and Carlos Correa; two playoff contenders; and a heated division rivalry. It’s exactly the type of matchup that should headline national broadcasts.
If ESPN and MLB want to keep fans engaged and grow the game, they need to diversify the teams featured on Sunday Night Baseball. Other exciting clubs like the Toronto Blue Jays — who have a superstar in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — or the Los Angeles Angels, still fighting for contention with Mike Trout, deserve their turn in the spotlight.
Highlighting Variety Will Benefit the Game
Great baseball exists beyond the biggest markets. Prioritizing games featuring competitive teams and dynamic players — regardless of market size — will keep broadcasts fresh and fans excited. The success of the Tigers-Twins game shows that viewers crave quality matchups, not just familiar names.
Hopefully, the electric performance by Skubal and the strong viewership numbers will encourage ESPN and MLB to rethink their approach and give deserving smaller-market teams more chances on the national stage.
Tarik Skubal’s Dominance Exposes ESPN and MLB’s Flawed National TV Strategy
