The Detroit Tigers find themselves with the best record in baseball (46-27), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement within the roster. While the team has had consistent success this season, they could use another starting-caliber pitcher and some offensive help. There will be a slew of options available to the Tigers at this year’s trade deadline, but it is up to management to make the tough decisions in regards to trading away prospects. Given the season-ending injury to RHP Jackson Jobe and the recent inconsistency of RHP Casey Mize, Detroit should invest in another starting pitcher.
The team relied on its pitching staff a little too much last season, leading to an unfortunate exit in the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians. The offense has been better this year, but it can still find ways to improve immensely. Detroit could use another power hitter, someone who could fit right into the lineup with Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene. While it is harder to find a superstar bat available at the trade deadline, the Tigers do have some intriguing prospects and young talent that might intrigue other teams to make a deal.
Potential Targets for Tigers at the Trade Deadline
Starting Pitching Options
Sandy Alcántara (MIA)
The 29-year-old RHP was an National League Cy Young Award winner in 2022, but unfortunately needed Tommy John surgery in October 2023, missing all of the 2024 season. The start to his 2025 season was atrocious, but his last three starts have been the Sandy Alcántara we are accustomed to seeing. In June, Alcántara has a 2.15 ERA in 17 innings of work, along with 15 strikeouts to just three walks. While two of those three starts were against the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, Alcántara did hold the Philadelphia Phillies to just two runs in five innings, while striking out five and walking one. Under contract for this season and next, with a club option for 2027, Alcántara becomes a very big fish in the market, and one the Tigers need to reel in.
Walker Buehler (BOS)
There was a reason the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers let Walker Buehler leave. He has a 5.01 ERA and 1.383 WHIP in 11 starts this season with the Boston Red Sox, but he remains a gamer come postseason time. With the Red Sox in fourth place in the AL East and just trading superstar slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, Walker Buehler could become an interesting rental for a contending team.
Although Buehler has shown struggles during the regular season as of late, this is a pitcher who has thrived in the big moments of the postseason. Last year with the Dodgers, Buehler struggled immensely in his start against the San Diego Padres, allowing six earned runs in five innings, but he pitched like an ace in his final 10 innings of October. He didn’t give up a run, only surrendered five hits, and struck out 13 batters, including the final out of the World Series. Buehler is an experienced pitcher that the Tigers should be looking at by the deadline.
Zac Gallen (ARI)
This one is more of a “hot take,” but I truly believe Zac Gallen could be moved at the deadline if the Arizona Diamondbacks choose not to extend him. The 29-year-old will become a free agent after this season, and given the current direction of the team with newly signed Corbin Burnes out for this season and most of the next, the Diamondbacks might look to retool their roster. The D-Backs have a fairly weak farm system, with shortstop Jordan Lawlar being their only intriguing prospect, so they might want to take advantage of a team like the Tigers and restock the farm. So far this season, Gallen has a 5.19 ERA in 15 starts, which is a career low for the powerful right-hander. It is a real possibility that a change of scenery and a winning environment will spark Gallen to return to ‘ace-caliber’ form.
Offensive Weapons
Ryan O’Hearn (BAL – RF)
Having a sneakily good offensive season on a bad team, Ryan O’Hearn becomes a very interesting trade piece at this year’s deadline. Currently slashing .306/.386/.495 with 10 home runs and 27 RBI, O’Hearn can find himself fitting beautifully into the Tigers’ offense. A solid defender as well, if he was traded to the Tigers it is very likely he would take over for Kerry Carpenter, someone who has struggled a bit over the last month or so.
O’Hearn has a very affordable $8 million club option for next season, making him a very intriguing trade chip. With the Tigers, O’Hearn could split time between right field and DH, allowing for Carpenter to still be able to showcase his defensive abilities. The Tigers are looking for another power bat to insert into the lineup toward the trade deadline, and Ryan O’Hearn fits perfectly.
Nolan Arenado (STL – 3B)
The St. Louis Cardinals were trying to shop third baseman Nolan Arenado before the start of the 2025 season, but couldn’t find anyone willing to take on his salary. The 34-year-old is at the back end of his eight-year/$260 million contract he signed with the Rockies back in 2019, and is slated to make $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. However, third base is a position of need for the Detroit Tigers, and with the Cardinals currently out of the playoff picture, they might explore trades again for the aging star.
This season, Arenado is slashing .243/.304/.388 with eight home runs and 36 RBI. While the Swiss Army knife Zach McKinstry has been great for the Tigers, Arenado’s Gold Glove defense can help this team win playoff games. He has only played eight playoff games in his career, but this is a guy who will find a way to shine under the bright lights.
Main Photo Credit: © Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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