The Detroit Tigers have emerged as a shocking playoff contender over the last few weeks. The Tigers sold at the MLB Trade Deadline and were eight games under .500 in mid-August. However, none of that matters now. The Tigers defeated the Chicago White Sox on Friday night to clinch their first postseason berth in 10 years.

After the game, fans raced to social media to share their thoughts. One fan also happens to be a Detroit prospect. Former third-overall pick Max Clark has been active on social media throughout this entire run. He was just as excited as the fanbase when the final out was made. “BANGGGGGG. BANNNNNNNNNNNNG🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾” the outfielder wrote on social media.

Other posts capture the long wait for Tigers fans. Detroit last made the postseason as AL Central champions in 2014. However, they were swept in the American League Division Series by the Baltimore Orioles that year. As one could imagine, fans could not contain their excitement on Friday night.

Fan reactions poured in after Tigers defeat White Sox

Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) gets ready to bat against Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fans continued to react to this improbable feat on Friday night. One figure absent from this Tigers team is future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera called it a career last season after 21 seasons in the league. One fan had the Triple Crown winner on their mind after the final out was made.

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As mentioned, the Tigers sold at the MLB Trade Deadline in early August. Detroit sent Jack Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as catcher Carson Kelly to the Texas Rangers. One Dodgers fan sent their congratulations after the game went final on Friday. “They traded away Jack Flaherty… absolutely crazy run for them! Congrats Tigers from a Dodgers fan!” they wrote.

The Tigers opened the scoring in the fifth inning thanks to a bases-loaded wild pitch. Matt Vierling added to the lead later that inning thanks to a sacrifice fly. The White Sox did pull one back thanks to a Zach DeLoach solo home run. However, it wasn't enough. Detroit added two runs in the seventh inning to clinch the win.

This game is not only significant for the Tigers. Chicago's loss on Friday marked the 121st time they lost in 2024. As a result, they now own the modern record for most losses in a single season. The previous record of 120 was held by the 1962 New York Mets. Ironically, the previous record for losses by an American League team was owned by the Tigers, who lost 119 in 2003.

The Tigers and White Sox have two games remaining on their three-game series. Detroit could improve their playoff positioning if they sweep Chicago to end the season. It will certainly be interesting to see how these Tigers perform with a postseason ticket already punched.