Detroit Tigers Urged to Pursue Trade for Veteran All-Star Outfielder
The Detroit Tigers are being advised to seek a trade for an outfielder who could provide a boost to their offense this season.
As spring training ramps up, the Tigers are looking strong on paper heading into 2025. This offseason has been successful for the team, which was just one win shy of reaching the American League Championship Series last year. Detroit managed to retain its core talent and even strengthened its young roster.
Heading into the offseason, the primary focus for the Tigers was improving the starting rotation, especially after their pitching staff struggled in the postseason once Tarik Skubal went down. The addition of Jack Flaherty, who had a strong first half of 2024 with the Tigers, addressed this need.
Another area in need of improvement was the lineup, particularly from the right side of the plate. While Detroit signed veteran infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year deal, his impact is expected to be minimal.
Despite not landing him, the Tigers were in the running for former All-Star Alex Bregman, who ultimately signed with the Boston Red Sox. This shows that Detroit is still open to upgrading its roster if the right player becomes available.
In a recent piece by Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, the Tigers were suggested as a team that should target Starling Marte of the New York Mets. The 36-year-old outfielder, in the final year of his contract, could be traded, especially after the Mets added Juan Soto this winter.
Marte is a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, boasting both power and speed, even as he ages. However, his major drawback is his inability to stay healthy. Over the past two seasons, he hasn’t played 100 games in either year. Although productive when on the field, he may no longer be an everyday player.
For the Tigers, Marte could serve as a valuable option in a platoon role or as a designated hitter. Detroit still needs a right-handed bat to bat near the top of the order, and Marte could fill that void. While he wouldn’t have the same impact as Bregman, he could still provide value without committing long-term, as his contract expires at season’s end—something the Tigers were mindful of this offseason.
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