Brian Manzullo

Detroit Free Press

Consider the grade incomplete, since the nutty MLB off-season isn't even close to being over yet.

But for what it's worth, the Detroit Tigers have earned a "B" for their off-season moves thus far from ESPN baseball analyst Jim Bowden, a former MLB executive.

Bowden handed out grades for all 30 teams thus far; the Tigers have the second-highest grade in the AL Central, with the Chicago White Sox earning an "A."

"The Tigers have had a solid offseason, which started with the re-signing of DH Victor Martinez and the trade for fleet center fielder Anthony Gose," Bowden wrote. "Then came two key under-the-radar additions when they added starters Shane Greene and Alfredo Simon, two pitchers without great track records but encouraging 2014 seasons.

"Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, whom they acquired from the Red Sox, lengthens their lineup with power and five tools. Despite the denials, most believe Max Scherzer will eventually return to the Tigers; if that's the case, their grade would improve to an A."

That's a good sign for the Tigers, considering their divisional competition could get a whole lot tougher in 2015. The White Sox have been "huge winners" this off-season, according to Bowden, after picking up starter Jeff Samardzija, closer David Robertson, lefty Zach Duke and slugger Adam LaRoche.

The White Sox are also reportedly on the verge of signing outfielder Melky Cabrera, who was a possible Tigers target before the team traded for Cespedes.

The Cleveland Indians earned a B-, the Kansas City Royals earned a D and the Minnesota Twins a B-.

Contact Brian Manzullo: bmanzullo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianManzullo.