Chris Paddack Move Highlights Tigers Focus at the Trade Deadline

The Tigers made a move Monday to bolster their pitching depth, acquiring Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Twins ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. It’s not the headline-grabbing blockbuster fans might have hoped for—but it does signal where Detroit’s front office is focused.

With the rotation thinned out and the bullpen overworked, the Tigers are clearly prioritizing innings.

Chris Paddack Brings Upside—and Uncertainty

Paddack, 29, has flashed promise in the past but hasn’t been able to stay on the mound consistently. He’s made 17 starts for Minnesota this season, posting a 5.53 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 86.1 innings. The ERA is high, but there’s underlying value: a 4.18 FIP and solid strikeout-to-walk numbers suggest there’s still potential in his arm.

A free agent after this season, Paddack gives them a shot at upside without a long-term risk.

Randy Dobnak Adds Durable Depth

Dobnak, 29, has spent most of this season at Triple-A but brings a useful profile: low walks, high ground ball rate, and starting experience. He gives the Tigers a plug-and-play option for long relief or spot starts, something they’ve sorely lacked during their July spiral.

He may not factor into long-term plans, but right now, innings are innings—and Dobnak provides them cheaply.

The State of the Tigers' Staff

This move comes as Detroit’s pitching staff has started to buckle. Entering the final week of July, the Tigers ranked 21st in MLB in team ERA (4.41) and 25th in bullpen ERA (4.63). Beyond Tarik Skubal, the rotation has struggled to stay healthy and effective. The bullpen, once a strength early in the season, has posted a bottom-five ERA in July. With few internal options left to lean on, Detroit had little choice but to seek outside reinforcements.

This is not a move aimed at making the Tigers better in October; it's about bridging the innings to get there.