ESPN’s Analyst Shows Tigers Have the Prospects to Swing a Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 11:54 AM ET

With the trade deadline just weeks away, ESPN analyst David Schoenfield dreamed up three blockbuster trades that involved some of the biggest names in the game. While it is almost certain that the Pittsburgh Pirates are not going to trade away young ace Paul Skenes, what Schoenfield wrote about that fantasy blockbuster should make Tigers fans happy.

That’s the bigger takeaway.

Detroit needs a starter, a reliever or two for the stretch run, and a right-handed third baseman who can hit. None of that requires emptying the farm. But if they wanted to, Schoenfield believes they have the pieces to swing big.

Schoenfield imagined what it would take for the Pirates to part with their ace-in-the-making Paul Skenes. His conclusion was that the Tigers had the farm system best positioned to pull off a blockbuster like that.

The proposed cost? The Tigers’ No.8 prospect outfielder Max Clark, shortstop Kevin McGonigle (No. 11), right-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe, infielder Colt Keith, and right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long

Schoenfield calls Detroit “incredibly well positioned” to make this kind of deal, citing elite prospect depth, an improving MLB roster, and minimal long-term payroll outside of Javier Baez. Clark and McGonigle are excelling at High-A. Keith is already in the majors. Jobe is recovering from Tommy John but remains one of the highest-upside arms in the sport.

And they wouldn’t be gutted by the move. Bryce Rainer, Josue Briceno, and plenty of pitching would still be in the system.

Pittsburgh’s incentive? They’d fill major long-term holes in center and at shortstop, plus get controllable infield talent and a potential future starter.

Yes, it’s fantasy. But it underscores the point that Detroit has real capital to work with.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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