The Detroit Tigers are rebuilding. That is not a secret. Although they sit in third place in the American League Central, the division belongs to the Chicago White Sox. The Sox are one of the few teams that don’t have to worry about the rest of the season and can concentrate on the layoffs as the rest of the division will be selling off their players. Let’s take a look at what Detroit will do.
Make sure to check out all of our other Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Position
Record: 47-54
Rank: Third in the AL Central, 13 games back
Status: Sellers
The Detroit Tigers went into this season with low expectations. They weren’t thinking they could compete with the Sox, the Minnesota Twins, or the Cleveland Indians. Alas, they are actually in third place and have played better than expected but still will be sellers as is the rest of the division aside from Chicago. They have been a decent team all year and competitive while finding young players like Akil Baddoo and Harold Castro who may be in their plans.
Detroit does not have many players who are worth much to other teams. But, like many sellers, they will take what they can get as far as organizational depth. The Tigers have done well in the draft, especially this year, and look to be poised to contend in a couple of years.
Trade Candidates
Matthew Boyd
Although Boyd is hurt right now, he is under control through next season. He would be a solid chip for another team that can bridge the gap this year. Before going on the IL, the Tigers southpaw posted a 3.44 ERA and improved immensely in keeping the ball in the park allowing only six home runs in 70.2 innings. At only 30 years old, Boyd could be a good piece going forward.
Michael Fulmer
While Fulmer had been pitching out of the bullpen before recently hitting the IL, he is an interesting arm for teams to consider. The former first-round pick is under control through 2022 and could be a valuable piece for a contending team looking to either upgrade their bullpen or add a spot starter for the stretch run.
Jonathan Schoop
Second basemen generally don’t garner much attention at the deadline. Schoop is an exception. He has an even .800 OPS and leads the team in HRs (17) and RBIs (60). The San Diego Padres just gave up three prospects for Adam Frazier including one of their top 5. While Schoop won’t get that much of a return for the Tigers, there will be teams looking for a power bat who can man the keystone.
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