Armed with the best record in baseball, the Detroit Tigers are poised to be buyers at this year’s MLB trade deadline. The Tigers own a nine-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central division entering Monday’s action and with a chance at homefield advantage, Detroit president of baseball operations Scott Harris has already vowed to add to this year’s team.
That leaves the Tigers to assess teams that could be a potential trade partner over the next six weeks. One option could be the Boston Red Sox, who made the stunning decision to trade Rafael Devers on Sunday night. At 37-36, the Red Sox don’t seem to be in “sell” mode yet. But after trading their best hitter, it would seem that Craig Breslow is willing to listen to a deal.
It could lead to a phone call in the coming weeks and the Tigers acquiring another arm for their bullpen.
Red Sox LHP Aroldis Chapman Could Be Tigers’ Target After Rafael Devers Trade
The Tigers don’t have many pressing needs entering the deadline. But a sneaky area may be their left-handed options in the bullpen. Detroit has relied on Tyler Holton for the most part, but the southpaw has posted a 4.09 ERA in 33 innings of relief this year. Brant Hurter has also stepped up with a 1.67 ERA in 21 games, but the Tigers could use one more power arm to make their bullpen a dominant force.
Enter Aroldis Chapman. The 37-year-old would be a true rental as he enters the second half of a one-year, $10.75 million contract, but he could be valuable after posting a 1.55 ERA and 12 saves in 29 innings this season. His 39 strikeouts and 34.8% punchout rate could also be a benefit to a bullpen that ranks 16th with 237 strikeouts this season.
It can be argued that the Tigers have enough power arms in their bullpen, but it could come into play with their starting rotation. Tarik Skubal is competing for his second straight Cy Young Award, and Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty are having solid seasons. The return of Reese Olson could also give the Tigers a lift, but Detroit would be wise to get another player who can close a game out.
Postseason baseball is a different animal as teams look to get the best possible matchup and have a sense of urgency. While Detroit’s starting rotation is solid, they could use another arm in the bullpen and could take advantage if the Devers trade leads to a full-scale fire sale in Boston.