While the Detroit Tigers sit atop the AL Central with an eight game lead, their performance in recent weeks have fans hitting the panic button. The Tigers are 2-12 since July 9 and their bats have largely gone dormant. Outside of Tarik Skubal, the pitching hasn’t been a whole lot better. Fans can hope Sunday’s game vs Toronto was an end to the slump. However, as the MLB trade deadline approaches this week, there are serious questions in need of answers.
What Do They Need Most?
Coming into the All-Star Break, it seemed as if bullpen help was going to be the obvious place to improve. Yet, given their performance in recent weeks, there seems to be some necessary adjustments needed to the lineup. The hot bats from Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Javier Baez, Gleyber Torres, Zach McKinstry and Colt Keith have all cooled off. Parker Meadows has been unable to replicate the magic he had last season since his return. Kerry Carpenter has spent the last month on the injured list. Needless to say, the Tigers need to inject some fuel into the lineup in a big way. Yet at the same time, Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty and Reese Olson have gone through a rough patch as well. With Jackson Jobe down to the season, a boost to the starting rotation is an option worth entertaining as well.
How Much are They Willing to Give Up?
On the flip side, the Tigers have the most productive farm system in MLB. The Tigers systems includes five of the Top 100 Prosects: Kevin McGonigle (#6), Max Clark (#10), Bryce Rainer (#34), Josue Briceño (#51) and Thayron Liranzo (#77). Other names continue to climb on the Tigers Top 30 list, including Troy Melton (#6), Max Anderson (#9) and Franyerber Montilla (#12). Anderson and Montilla were recently featured here at Legends on Deck. How each of these prospects fits into the overall system remains to be seen. The Tigers are faced with a tough decision this week, as the trade deadline approaches.
Deal for Now or Save for Later?
The good news for Detroit is that the depth in their farm system allows a real opportunity to secure some necessary improvements to the current roster. Who to deal or not to deal, is certainly the toughest question. Building a competitive team for the long-run needs to be in the Tigers overall calculation. However, knowing the competitive nature of the league, getting to a World Series is never a sure bet. Seeing an AL Pennent within reach may have to outweigh considerations for the future.
Who Are the Impact Players?
If the Tigers are looking to add a big bat to the lineup, there’s three that would add some serious swagger to the lineup. Eugenio Suarez currently has 36 home runs for the Diamondbacks and was voted as the starting third baseman in the All-Star Game. Suarez has been tied to a trade with the Yankees, however, their move to get Ryan McMahon from the Rockies has taken that off the table. If not Suarez, the Orioles Ryan O’Hearn may add some pop and cycle in at first base, right field or designated hitter. And while Marcell Ozuna may be limited as to where he could play in the field, the Braves may be willing to deal him as their season has gotten away from them.
On the pitching side, the Tigers have been tied to a trade for Pirates closer David Bednar. He might fit well in tandem with Will Vest at the back end of the bullpen. There’s also a (lesser) possibility that the Tigers could acquire some bullpen help within their own division. The Guardians, Royals and Twins are considered to be sellers. Emmanuel Clase (CLE), Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax (MIN) are all rumored to being shopped around. Seth Lugo (KC), Merrill Kelly (ARZ) and Mitch Keller (PIT) seem to top most lists in terms of marketable starters.
How bold will the Tigers go? It’s been years since Detroit was in a position to buy, but Tigers fans are certainly eager for a mid-season shakeup. How deep the Tigers can go in the postseason may indeed depend on what new pieces to the puzzle they can acquire in the coming days.
