The Detroit Tigers have a 34-37 record and are 11.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central and 4.5 games back of a wildcard spot as of June 16th. That’s not exactly where the team hoped they would be at this point in the season, but it is better than where they were at this point in past seasons. We may still be over a month away from the MLB Trade Deadline, but we are fast approaching the deadline taking over headlines in the sport.
The deadline has been a day Tigers fans have dreaded over the last several years. The question is, how will it play out this season? A lot of it will have to do with how the next month and a half go, but here’s an early look at what the Tigers could do at the deadline, starting with some bats they could decide to acquire.
OF – Miguel Andujar
The Tigers would need something to click soon and to start winning a lot of games from now to the deadline if they want to even consider being buyers at the trade deadline. However, if they are able to somehow be in a wildcard spot and make up some ground in the division before then, I wouldn’t rule out the Tigers acquiring some offense.
Miguel Andujar has played in just 17 games so far this season, but he has been a hitting machine for the Oakland Athletics. Andujar is slashing .309./324./.456 with six extra-base hits, two home runs, and 12 RBIs. If he’s able to maintain this level of production until the deadline, he will likely be dealt, and could be a fit for Detroit if they claw their way back into contending for a playoff spot.
DH/OF – J.D Martinez
This isn’t the first time I’ve talked about a J.D Martinez reunion, but if it doesn’t happen at the deadline, it’ll probably be my last time mentioning it as a possibility. The first hurdle is obviously the Tigers getting back in contention. If they do, why not bring in a veteran like Martinez who is hitting well for the Mets. The biggest factor in this is how Kerry Carpenter’s recovery is leading up to the deadline. His timetable to return may be the difference in whether or not Scott Harris even considers this. Plus, because Mark Canha is on the roster, the front office may not even look at J.D as an option. However, the impressive numbers from Martinez this season and the clear need for offense are impossible to ignore.
Now that we identified a couple bats the Tigers could add, here is someone who is unlikely to still be wearing a Tigers uniform after July 31st.
Likely to be Sold: RHP – Jack Flaherty
I’d be shocked if Flaherty is still pitching for the Tigers once the deadline is in the rear view mirror. The Tigers snagged one of the Phillies’ top five prospects when they sent Michael Lorenzen, a veteran rental, to Philly. Flaherty has been borderline elite this season and his threw a few gems in his first season with the Tigers. The market for starting pitching is weak for the upcoming trade deadline, and as long as Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander don’t become candidates to be traded, Flaherty may very well be the cream of the crop.
Flaherty, who was already traded at the deadline a year ago, has a deceiving record of 4-4. The veteran right-hander started 0-4 before getting his first win as a Tiger, but it was due to little to no run support from the offense. Flaherty hasn’t lost a game since May 23rd against the Blue Jays.
So far this season, Flaherty has a 3.01 ERA, 0.953 WHIP, 2.62 FIP, and 136 ERA+. In 77.2 innings of work, he has struck out exactly 100 batters and has walked just 11.
Potential Landing Spots for Flaherty, and the Tigers’ Potential Return
Now we’ll take a look at some possible trade partners in a deal for Flaherty, as well as that teams top five prospects.
The Brewers are having a great season under new manager Pat Murphy as they lead their division, sitting 12 games above .500. Meanwhile, their former manager, Craig Counsell, who moved on to join the rival Chicago Cubs, has his team at the bottom of the National League Central a couple of games below .500. Their expected to be content on their position players group, and the consensus expectation is that they will pursue pitching. Flaherty may be a fit for them.
The Brewers’ top five prospects:
The Houston Astros have dealt with big blows to their starting rotation this season and recently had to let go of veteran first baseman Jose Abreu, who has been borderline terrible this season. They could look to add some starting pitching at the deadline and Flaherty would make sense for them.
The Astros’ top five prospects:
- OF Jacob Melton
- OF Luis Baez
- SS Brice Matthews
- 3B/2B Zach Dezenzo
- OF/INF Joey Loperfido
Although I believe San Diego will aggressively pursue Chicago White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet, if for some reason they can’t land him, they could likely pivot to Jack Flaherty.
The Padres’ top five prospects
Trading Flaherty to a division rival may not be popular amongst Tigers fans, but it may have to be done if Cleveland puts the best offer on the table. The Guardians have established themselves as contenders and will likely be busy at the end of July. They are expected to be in the market for a starting pitcher and corner outfield bat with some power. Flaherty, being arguably the best rental starter on the market, would make a lot of sense for the Guardians.
The Guardians’ top five prospects:
