The Detroit Tigers are expected to be active at the 2024 MLB trade deadline, with reports indicating they will likely adopt a “seller” strategy and look to trade some of their veteran players. However, there are certain key players that the Tigers should keep off-limits and avoid trading, even if they receive enticing offers.
Tarik Skubal, the Tigers’ ace pitcher, should be considered untouchable at the deadline. Skubal has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the American League, ranking third in ERA and fifth in baseball. With his dominant performance and the Tigers not in full rebuilding mode, they should hold onto Skubal and build around him rather than trade him away.
Similarly, the Tigers’ top prospect, Jackson Jobe, should also be kept off the trading block. Jobe, a highly touted pitching prospect, is currently rehabbing from a minor injury and the Tigers have aggressive plans to have him pitch 100 innings this season. Dealing Jobe would go against the team’s long-term plans and they should keep him as part of their future core.
Outfielder Riley Greene is another player the Tigers should not consider trading. Greene is having an All-Star caliber season and is the only highly-touted young Tigers player who has truly delivered so far. The Tigers should look to build around Greene rather than trade him away, even if they receive enticing offers.
Finally, while the Tigers could entertain offers for some of their other top prospects like Jace Jung, they should avoid including Jobe in any potential trades. The Tigers have emphasized developing their homegrown talent, and trading away a top pitching prospect like Jobe would contradict that strategy.
In summary, the Tigers should keep Tarik Skubal, Jackson Jobe, and Riley Greene off-limits at the 2024 trade deadline, as they represent the core of the team’s future and should not be sacrificed for short-term gains.
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