The Detroit Tigers are among the top clubs in Major League Baseball, not just the American League. More than 30 games into the season, Detroit is in the midst of discussions about AL contenders. Tarik Skubal is currently the frontrunner to win the AL Cy Young Award after an incredible run of starts.
AJ Hinch’s team has certain weaknesses, despite their strong start to the season. Despite Will Vest’s relative success, his bullpen may be the main cause for concern. The Tigers are missing their starting catcher due to Jake Rodgers’ injury. Javier Baez, the team’s daily center fielder, was shifted to the outfield in what may have been the most bizarre move of the season.
Neither in free agency nor in trades does Detroit make ostentatious moves. But if they can maintain their momentum into the postseason, they have a chance to go far in the playoffs. MLB teams must do all in their power to maximize their successful seasons since World Series titles are few. The Tigers may get hostile at the deadline as a result of that mentality.
As the trade deadline approaches, Detroit may want to seek these three players.
Toronto Blue Jays Reliever Jeff Hoffman
The club doesn’t have a top closer, but Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest are doing well out of Hinch’s bullpen. As of May 10, Jeff Hoffman is in the top 10 in the league with eight saves this season. His efficiency at the conclusion of games is demonstrated by the fact that he is doing so for a team that is below.500. His record of 3-1 is also not too awful.
At this stage of the season, the Tigers bullpen is producing excellent stats. However, having a trustworthy closer to turn to in the ninth inning provides them greater confidence as the stakes rise and the games become more heated. Detroit’s offense and starting pitching are strong enough to give its closers many of chances to win games.
The Blue Jays’ position in the standings at the deadline will determine Hoffman’s availability. The lead and the fifth-place club in the American League East are separated by fewer than ten games. The organization may choose to sell its veterans to challengers, starting with Hoffman, if Toronto falters.
Los Angeles Angels Catcher Travis d’Arnaud
After five years with the Atlanta Braves, Travis d’Arnaud signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Angels this winter. On the Los Angeles roster, he is the backup catcher, though, since Logan O’Hoppe has doubled his at-bats and games played thus far this season (as of May 10).
No player is more desirable than d’Arnaud when it comes to disposable players that might be traded at the trade deadline. The Angels might trade their backup catcher for future assets from a rival team, given they already have their daily catcher. He would be the starting quarterback until Rodgers returns, but he would probably play the same role in Detroit as he did in Los Angeles.
D’Arnaud established himself as an offensively gifted catcher while he was in Atlanta, splitting time with Sean Murphy since 2023 and hitting over ten home runs in each of the previous three seasons. He would be another valuable addition to Detroit’s attack if he could regain some of his power.
Chicago White Sox Outfielder Luis Robert Jr
Although Baez is doing well at center field for the Tigers in 2025, shortstop is still his natural position. He is an excellent defender at most spots on the field, but for a team to advance far in the playoffs, they need to have top-notch defense everywhere. To allow the former Cub to return to his most comfortable position, Hinch probably wants to put a more seasoned outfielder in center field.
Perhaps the greatest outfield player available for trade is Luis Robert Jr. Despite playing for a mediocre team, he is an All-Star talent and has won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award during his career. Robert Jr. was still on the roster going into the 2025 season, although Chicago traded for Garrett Crochet this offseason.
He is a fantastic match for Detroit if they decide to sell him, but it will take a lot to get him to leave the White Sox. Robert Jr. is too talented to pass up, and Baez offers far more on both sides of the ball than Trey Sweeney, even though he would need some persuasion to return to the infield.
After a fantastic start to the season, the Tigers have an opportunity to create some waves in the AL. Although they shocked the baseball community by defeating the Houston Astros in the previous year’s AL Wild Card Series, they seem prepared to advance. They are in the greatest position to do so if they make the proper move at the deadline.
