The Detroit Tigers are positioned as decisive buyers as the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline draws near, hoping to establish themselves as American League contenders.
Compared to prior seasons, when the team frequently found itself in rebuilding mode, this is a considerable change.
“I have to acknowledge that I was mistaken about the Tigers,” R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports stated. After last year’s impressive finish, I thought they had a genuine possibility of missing the playoffs after a summer that seemed too slack to my liking.
“Detroit should instead enter the mad season in a strong position.”
Strategic Acquisitions and Development
The Tigers have become a powerful team under the direction of manager A.J. Hinch and president of baseball operations Scott Harris.
Once a weakness, their offensive now averages 5.38 runs per game, good for fourth place in MLB. Javier Báez, who has made a smooth adjustment to center field and offers both offensive output and defensive skill, and Spencer Torkelson, who has become a power threat, are important players.
The front staff of the Tigers has taken the initiative to improve the roster. Notable deals in 2025 include:
On February 12, minor league pitcher Drew Sommers was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitcher Mason Englert.
March 13: For financial reasons, the St. Louis Cardinals traded pitcher Bailey Horn to the team.
Brewer Hicklen, an outfielder who was called up on April 8, was purchased from the Milwaukee Brewers on March 28 for cash considerations.
These initiatives indicate a dedication to both immediate success and long-term development.
Detroit’s pitching staff has been a cornerstone of their 2025 success. The rotation holds the best ERA in MLB since the start of the 2024 season. Leading the assault and becoming a Cy Young Award favorite is Tarik Skubal.
The bullpen has also been key, with Hinch adopting novel ways to increase performance.
Trade Deadline Outlook
Given their present trend, the Tigers might be active buyers at the Trade Deadline, with many critical areas catching the front office’s attention–third base sticking out the most.
With Matt Vierling and Jace Jung sharing time, the club has depended on a patchwork strategy at the hot corner; but, injuries and inexperience have made the position vulnerable on a lineup that is otherwise strong.
Although Jung has potential, he is still maturing at the major league level, and Vierling, an outfielder by trade, was recently sidelined due to shoulder irritation. Detroit has thus been connected to a number of well-known trade targets.
Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, a consistent All-Star renowned for his outstanding defense and seasoned bat, is one name that keeps coming up. Jim Bowden, the former general manager of MLB, even suggested a possible trade deal that would have included Carson Rucker and Josh Randall, two of the league’s top prospects.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette is another fascinating choice. Despite being a shortstop by trade, he might go to third base and contribute significantly to the offense.
To strengthen their late-inning alternatives, the Tigers are also looking to add bullpen reinforcements in addition to third base. Relievers Tyler Holton and Beau Brieske have been inconsistent, while others like Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest have been productive.
In close games, adding a high-leverage arm could be essential to sustaining leads. In an effort to get a bit more stability behind the plate, the club is also looking into ways to increase offensive output from the catcher position.
Anderson remarked, “The Tigers appear to be the most intriguing buyer in the land.”
