The Tigers have had a mediocre season, signaling a potential need for a retooling strategy.
If their current trajectory persists, 2024 might mark the Tigers’ eighth consecutive season with a sub-.500 record. Despite their youthful and promising talent, they have yet to achieve sustained success. While they’re not completely out of the playoff race, logic suggests they might lean towards a light sell mode at the 2024 trade deadline.
Detroit’s sentiment around this year’s deadline is mixed. With a 40-48 record and 15 games behind the Guardians in the AL Central, they’re largely out of division contention. They’re also eight games out of the last Wild Card spot. Given their upcoming games against key AL teams, they have a chance to gain ground before the end of July. However, Detroit seems more likely to be sellers, a prospect that could interest the Yankees, who are looking to bolster their roster.
The Tigers’ primary trade asset for the Yankees (and others) is starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. After struggling with performance and durability since his breakout 2019 season with the Cardinals, Flaherty has found his form again in Detroit. On a one-year, $14 million contract, he boasts a 3.24 ERA and 3.05 FIP over 89 innings, with improved strikeout (33%) and walk (4%) rates. As a potential half-season rental, he is expected to draw significant interest at the deadline.
In the rotation, the Tigers also feature Tarik Skubal, a franchise cornerstone along with outfielder Riley Greene, both unlikely to be traded. However, as a team looking to move pieces, many options could be on the table.
In the bullpen, left-handed journeyman Andrew Chafin has had a solid 2024 season, posting a 2.87 FIP over 31 appearances. With a club option for 2025, he should attract interest as a veteran lefty.
Offensively, the Tigers rank 25th in wRC+ as a team, limiting their attractive trade candidates. Outside of Greene, Matt Vierling is the only other qualified above-average hitter, with three years of team control remaining. He could add value at third base but isn’t a flashy acquisition.
At catcher, the Tigers primarily use Carson Kelly and Jake Rogers. Both provide occasional power, with Kelly being the better overall offensive player in 2024. As a free agent at the end of the season, Kelly is a clear candidate to be traded.
The Tigers also have veteran bats like Mark Canha and Gio Urshela. Canha has been a consistent offensive producer with versatility in the outfield and corner infield spots. Urshela, however, has struggled significantly, with a 65 wRC+, his worst since 2019.
A potential deal between the Yankees and Tigers, outside of Flaherty or a surprise blockbuster, would likely involve complementary moves in the bullpen or on the lineup’s fringes. If the Tigers remain in a middling position and the Yankees continue to struggle, both teams’ intentions could become less clear as the summer progresses.
