N※N

Tigers'' trade deadline bullpen targets: From realistic fits to long shots

Detroit Tigers Eye Bullpen Reinforcements as Trade Deadline Looms: From Realistic Targets to Ambitious Long Shots

As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Tigers find themselves in a familiar position: a team with young talent bubbling up but glaring weaknesses that could define their season's trajectory. Chief among those vulnerabilities is the bullpen, a unit that has been inconsistent at best and downright unreliable at worst. With the Tigers hovering around .500 and flirting with playoff contention in a wide-open American League Central, bolstering the relief corps has become a top priority for general manager Scott Harris and the front office. The Tigers' starting rotation has shown flashes of brilliance, led by emerging ace Tarik Skubal, but the bridge to the ninth inning has often crumbled under pressure. Late-inning meltdowns, blown saves, and a lack of high-leverage arms have plagued the team, making it clear that external help is needed if Detroit hopes to make a legitimate push in the second half.

The trade market for relievers is always a hotbed of activity, with contending teams willing to part with prospects for proven arms, while sellers look to cash in on expiring contracts or controllable talent. For the Tigers, the strategy appears twofold: acquire cost-effective pieces that fit their rebuilding timeline without mortgaging the farm system, while perhaps taking a swing at a bigger name if the price is right. In this analysis, we'll break down potential bullpen targets, categorized from realistic fits—players who align with Detroit's budget, prospect capital, and immediate needs—to more speculative long shots that would require a bolder approach. These evaluations are based on current team performances, contract situations, and trade rumors swirling around the league.

Starting with the realistic fits, these are relievers from non-contending teams who could be had without surrendering top-tier prospects. One prime candidate is Tanner Scott from the Miami Marlins. Scott, a left-handed closer, has been a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for Miami. His ability to miss bats with a devastating slider and mid-90s fastball makes him an ideal setup man or even a closer option for the Tigers. Detroit has struggled against left-handed hitters in late innings, and Scott's strikeout prowess could address that directly. The Marlins, mired at the bottom of the NL East, are expected to be aggressive sellers, and Scott's expiring contract after this season means he won't command an exorbitant return. A package involving mid-level prospects like a Double-A outfielder or a pitching project could get the deal done, providing the Tigers with a reliable arm without long-term commitments.

Another realistic target is Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals. Finnegan has quietly emerged as a dependable closer for a rebuilding Nationals squad, racking up saves with a mix of command and deception. His sinker-slider combination has kept hitters off balance, and at 32 years old with another year of team control, he represents a bridge option for Detroit. The Tigers could slot him into high-leverage situations alongside current closer Jason Foley, creating a more robust back end. Washington's willingness to trade from their bullpen surplus, combined with Finnegan's affordable salary, makes this a feasible move. Expect the asking price to involve a couple of lower-level prospects, perhaps including a toolsy infielder from Detroit's farm system, allowing the Tigers to improve without depleting their core assets.

Shifting to slightly more ambitious but still attainable options, consider Carlos Estévez from the Los Angeles Angels. Estévez has been a revelation this season, converting saves at a high clip with improved velocity and a nasty changeup. The Angels, perennial underachievers, are likely to shop their veterans, and Estévez's one-year deal positions him as a rental with upside. For the Tigers, he could provide the veteran presence their young bullpen lacks, mentoring arms like Beau Brieske or Will Vest. The trade cost might escalate to include a higher-ranked prospect, such as a Single-A starter with potential, but it's within Detroit's wheelhouse if they believe Estévez can stabilize their relief efforts down the stretch.

On the international front, a name like Yimi García from the Toronto Blue Jays could be a sneaky good fit. García, a right-handed setup specialist, brings swing-and-miss stuff with a splitter that dives out of the zone. Toronto's disappointing season has them teetering on the edge of selling, and García's expiring contract makes him expendable. The Tigers have a history of targeting undervalued relievers, and García's ability to handle both righties and lefties would add versatility. This deal could be consummated with a straightforward swap of minor leaguers, perhaps involving organizational depth pieces that Detroit has in abundance.

Moving into the realm of longer shots—trades that would require more creativity, higher prospect capital, or perhaps a multi-team deal—the Tigers could dream big with someone like Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics. Miller, a flame-throwing right-hander, has burst onto the scene with triple-digit fastballs and a wipeout slider, establishing himself as one of the most electric young relievers in the game. At just 25 and under team control through 2029, he's not a rental; he's a potential cornerstone. However, the Athletics, in the midst of relocation drama and perpetual rebuilding, might entertain offers if overwhelmed. For Detroit, acquiring Miller would transform their bullpen into a strength overnight, pairing him with Skubal for a fearsome late-game tandem. The cost would be steep—likely headlined by a top prospect like infielder Colt Keith or pitcher Jackson Jobe, plus additional pieces. It's a long shot because Oakland views Miller as untouchable, but if the Tigers are serious about contending sooner rather than later, this is the type of bold move that could accelerate their timeline.

Another intriguing long shot is Kirby Yates from the Texas Rangers. Yates, a resurgent veteran, has rediscovered his form with a splitter that baffles hitters, leading to a sub-2.00 ERA and a slew of strikeouts. The Rangers, defending World Series champions, are in the playoff hunt but could pivot to selling if they falter. Yates's age (37) and short-term contract make him a rental, but his experience in big moments could be invaluable for a Tigers team lacking postseason savvy. Pulling this off would require Texas to fall out of contention and Detroit to outbid other suitors, perhaps offering a package including a major league-ready player like outfielder Riley Greene in a larger deal—though that's highly speculative.

Don't overlook Pete Fairbanks from the Tampa Bay Rays. Fairbanks is a high-octane closer with a fastball that touches 100 mph and a slider that generates whiffs. The Rays are known for their shrewd trades, and with Fairbanks under control through 2025, they might listen if the return bolsters their farm. For Detroit, he'd be a shutdown option, but the Rays' asking price could include premium talent, making it a stretch unless the Tigers are willing to part with significant assets.

Finally, a true moonshot would be targeting Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams, one of the best closers in baseball with his signature "Airbender" changeup, is under control through 2025 with a club option for 2026. The Brewers are leading the NL Central and unlikely to sell, but if injuries or a slump changes their outlook, Detroit could pounce. This would demand a king's ransom—multiple top prospects and perhaps a current roster player—positioning the Tigers as instant contenders but risking their future depth.

In weighing these options, the Tigers must balance short-term gains with long-term vision. Harris has emphasized building sustainably, but the allure of a playoff berth could tempt aggressive action. Realistic targets like Scott or Finnegan offer low-risk improvements, while long shots like Miller represent franchise-altering potential. As the deadline nears, expect Detroit to be active, potentially landing one or two arms to fortify their bullpen and signal their intent to compete. Whether they opt for pragmatism or ambition will shape not just this season, but the direction of the franchise moving forward. With a mix of youth and emerging stars, the Tigers are on the cusp—if they can just shore up that shaky relief corps. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full MLive Article at:
[ https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2025/07/tigers-trade-deadline-bullpen-targets-from-realistic-fits-to-long-shots.html ]