The Detroit Tigers are expected to have a busy trade deadline, and the sense of urgency has increased after losing 10 of their past 11 games. Even with the cold streak, the Tigers own an eight-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central Division, and the best way to extend that lead may be to poach some of their rivals.
The Tigers were reportedly interested in acquiring Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins, but the enormous asking price may force them to shift their attention elsewhere. While there are plenty of options, Detroit may still have its eyes set on Minnesota to bring home the bat that it needs.
Tigers Reportedly Interested in Twins OF Harrison Bader Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on Friday morning that the Tigers are interested in acquiring Twins outfielder Harrison Bader. The former Gold Glove Award winner has had a strong season in Minnesota, hitting .251/.330/.435 with 12 homers, 38 RBI, and nine stolen bases in 12 attempts, but also has logged a plus-6 in Baseball Savant’s fielding run value metric, but Morosi believes he can bring more to the team off the field.
The Tigers have dropped 10 of their last 11 games...how will they attack the Trade Deadline?@jonmorosi shares some thoughts. pic.twitter.com/O97EWd3mJ2
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 25, 2025
“They can make upgrades in a number of different places and find their path to being a better team,” Morosi said. “...I think Bader helps your club. He’s got playoff experience. He’s one of those energy givers that [Mark DeRosa] was talking about in the last segment. He’s been hitting with pretty good power this season. He can play all around the outfield. So I love the fit with Harrison Bader.”
Bader would be a solid pivot for the Tigers. While Javier Báez started for the American League in centerfield during the All-Star Game, Detroit would like to have him back at his natural position of shortstop after Trey Sweeney fell short of expectations this season. Bader would also come at a significantly cheaper price point than the reported “multiple top-100 caliber prospects” price tag the Twins have on Jax or Duran, and than their most rumored target, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez.
Morosi also mentioned Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ramon Laureano and Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcántara as other potential targets. But The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen also wrote on Friday that the bullpen is the top priority and he does not expect the Tigers to move any of their prospects currently ranked in the top 100, including shortstop Kevin McGonigle, outfielder Max Clark, shortstop Bryce Rainer, and first base/catcher prospects Josue Briceño and Thayron Liranzo.
It’s another name into the hat with less than one week to go until the trade deadline. But while the Tigers may not go all in, Morosi believes the main goal is to compete for a World Series with Tarik Skubal on the roster.
“I would say from a Tigers perspective, you add to this core,” Morosi said. “I know they’ve got some great prospects they don’t want to trade, but chances to win the World Series, don’t come around all that often in Detroit, especially not with someone like Tarik Skubal on the mound.”