Detroit Tigers
MLB trade deadline role: Seller
Under new manager Ron Gardenhire, the Tigers had been playing better than most people had expected, currently sitting just a half game behind the Twins, who still certainly see themselves as buyers. However, the recent loss of Miguel Cabrera to a torn bicep most likely ends that thought and puts the team in full sell mode.
For a team entering a rebuild, the Tigers have some significant veteran contracts, with Cabrera’s big deal that still runs until 2023 guaranteed with another $154M guaranteed to him being the biggest. However, after moving Ian Kinsler in the offseason, the only veteran signed beyond 2018 is Jordan Zimmermann ($50M through 2020 remaining). That could allow the Tigers to be aggressive with multiple pieces that are either free agents after the season or may not be long-term pieces for the club.
Who they could move
His $18M salary is already tough enough to move, but with Victor Martinez hitting .238/.300/.338 at 39 years of age, it’s unlikely anyone will want to give him a role as DH for a contender. However, the next-highest-paid impending free agent, Jose Iglesias, could be of interest to a number of teams. He is not a premier offensive talent, but his defense is tremendous, and there are a number of teams that are currently in need of help or at least depth at shortstop as the deadline nears.
The Tigers picked up Mike Fiers and Francisco Liriano to be veteran presence in what was expected to be a young rotation. That has worked better than anyone could have imagined, as they have pitched to a 4.01 and 3.90 ERA, respectively. Neither will likely be a guy heavily pursued as a playoff starter, but as a guy who could shore up a hurting rotation, either would help.
Where the Tigers could make some waves in the market is by moving veteran relievers Shane Greene and/or Alex Wilson. Both are still arbitration-eligible after this season, but with the success of some of the young arms in the bullpen this year, the Tigers could feasibly move either of them or both of them. Both have been quality relievers over the last couple of seasons, and Greene has been solid in the closer role recently for the last year and a half, which could fetch a premium on the market. Both are right handed, but they should still be able to fetch a decent return.
Now to the teams competing for the top pick in the 2019 draft…
Next: Chicago