Detroit Tigers Have Clear Weakness to Address Before MLB Trade Deadline
The Detroit Tigers have a glaring issue to address as they approach the MLB trade deadline.
A year ago, the Tigers were considering trading away their ace, Tarik Skubal, as they seemed headed toward another disappointing season. They were in the midst of their 10th straight year missing the postseason, and the team appeared ready to sell at the trade deadline. Instead, they held onto Skubal but traded away several veterans like Jack Flaherty, Andrew Chafin, Carson Kelly, and Mark Canha.
What followed was an unexpected turnaround, with Detroit making the playoffs as the No. 2 wild card team in the American League. They knocked off the Houston Astros in the ALWC before falling to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. This late-season momentum carried over into 2025.
Fast forward to today, and the Tigers are on the other end of the spectrum.
This year, instead of being sellers, Detroit is a clear buyer as the trade deadline approaches. Currently boasting the best record in baseball at 47-27, they lead the AL Central by nine games over the Guardians.
With one of the top farm systems in MLB, the Tigers have the resources to make moves to improve their roster. One area they’ll likely target is adding another late-game relief pitcher, preferably one who can rack up strikeouts.
However, their most obvious need is in the lineup, particularly on the left side of the infield.
“The left side of their infield is an obvious weakness calling out for upgrades at third base and/or shortstop,” wrote Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report.
Potential trade targets include Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays and Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both would be significant upgrades at shortstop and third base, respectively, though there’s no indication that either team is currently open to trading them.
While there may be other lineup upgrades to consider, the focus could shift more toward third base. The need for a shortstop isn’t as pressing given the resurgence of Javier Báez, who has been handling more time at shortstop now that Parker Meadows is healthy and back in the starting center field role. Báez’s ability to adapt to the outfield has been an unexpected bonus for manager A.J. Hinch, providing the team with added positional flexibility.
This versatility gives the front office more options when exploring trade possibilities as the deadline approaches.
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