Three potential trade candidates from the Detroit Tigers that could be deals on the horizon before the 2025 trade deadline.
The Detroit Tigers are making some serious waves in the MLB this season, their performance placing them among the top contenders in the American League. Detroit's current MLB status is generating quite a buzz more than 30 games into the year. Pitcher Tarik Skubal is tearing it up with an outstanding string of starts, leading many to predict a potential Cy Young award win.
While the Tigers are doing well, there are a few areas that could use some tweaking, especially within their bullpen and fielding positions. AJ Hinch's team may have some question marks, despite the relative success of Will Vest and the latest injury to Jake Rodgers. With Rodgers out, the Tigers are without their starting catcher, and Javier Baez has moved to the outfield as the team's every day center fielder.
The Tigers aren't big on flashy moves, but they might surprise us by making a splash at the trade deadline if they continue to carry their momentum into the postseason. After all, a World Series championship is a rare gem in the cut-throat world of MLB, and every successful season deserves to be maximized.
Here are three potential players Detroit could target to strengthen their roster for the postseason:
Jeff Hoffman, Toronto Blue Jays Reliever
If you're looking for a reliable closer, Jeff Hoffman might just be the man. He's notched eight saves this season so far, putting him in the top 10 in the league. Hoffman is effective, even on a less than stellar team - he's got a 3-1 record to prove it. The Tigers' bullpen is performing well at the moment, but with the stakes getting higher as the games get more intense, having a proven closer can give them the extra edge they need.
The availability of Hoffman will depend on the Blue Jays' position in the standings at the deadline. With the AL East tight, less than 10 games separating the leader from the fifth-place team as of May 10, Toronto could decide to sell some of their veterans to contenders if they're not in the running.
Travis d'Arnaud, Los Angeles Angels Catcher
Travis d'Arnaud signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Angels this offseason, ending a five-year stint with the Atlanta Braves. However, he's currently the backup catcher behind Logan O'Hoppe, and, as of May 10, has played far fewer games and at-bats than him. In terms of expendable players that could be moved at the trade deadline, d'Arnaud is prime pickings. The Angels already have their everyday catcher, so unloading their backup in exchange for future assets from a contending team like Detroit might be the way to go.
In Atlanta, d'Arnaud made a name for himself as an offensively-gifted catcher, hitting more than 10 home runs in each of the last three seasons while sharing time with Sean Murphy since 2023. If he can bring some of that power to Detroit, he'll be a valuable addition to their offense.
Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox Outfielder
Baez is holding down center field for the Tigers in 2025, but he's a natural shortstop. With the playoffs demanding elite defense across the board, Hinch may want to put a more experienced outfielder in center field, allowing Baez to return to shortstop. Luis Robert Jr. just might be the perfect upgrade.
Robert Jr. is one of the best outfielders on the market, boasting a Gold Glove and a Sliver Slugger award in his career. The White Sox moved on from Garrett Crochet this offseason, but Robert Jr. remains on the roster for 2025. It's going to take a lot to pry him away from the White Sox, but he'd be a fantastic addition to Detroit's roster if the Tigers can make it happen.
The Tigers have lit a fire under the MLB world with their impressive start to the season, surprising many by defeating the Houston Astros in last year's AL Wild Card Series. With their current performance, they seem ready to take their game to the next level. A carefully timed trade at the deadline could just be the key to making that happen.
- The odds of the Detroit Tigers winning the championship in the upcoming year are garnering interest, as their performance has them among the top contenders in the American League.
- The 2025 Tigers' success, especially Tarik Skubal's exceptional pitching, is generating buzz, raising questions about potential Cy Young awards.
- As promising as their current run is, the Tigers need to address their bullpen and fielding positions to maximize their chances in the playoffs.
- In preparation for the playoffs, the Tigers could consider trading for Jeff Hoffman, a reliable closer from the Toronto Blue Jays, to bolster their bullpen.
- Travis d'Arnaud, a power-hitting catcher from the Los Angeles Angels, could be a valuable addition to the Tigers' offense, especially if the Angels choose to trade him at the deadline.
- As Javier Baez moves to the outfield to fill the void left by an injured catcher, Luis Robert Jr., the Chicago White Sox's outfielder, might be a desirable upgrade for the Tigers' defense in the playoffs, given his Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.
