Insider Predicts Deadline Letdown for First-Place Tigers

Tigers fans hoping for a headline-grabbing trade might want to recalibrate those expectations.

In The Athletic’s “One Bold Prediction for Every MLB Team” column, Tigers beat writer Cody Stavenhagen made it clear: Detroit isn’t expected to be aggressive at the deadline.

That’s not a shock, but it’s not exactly thrilling either.

The Tigers are in first place and have spent most of the season exceeding expectations. But with the postseason in sight, the front office appears more likely to tinker than swing big. Relief help is needed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Aroldis Chapman. There’s a case for adding a starter, but Sandy Alcántara? That might be a price they’re not willing to pay. A right-handed bat would help lengthen the lineup, but other teams are calling about Eugenio Suárez, too.

Instead, as Stavenhagen put it, “It would be very Tigers-like to add a couple of under-the-radar relief pitchers and maybe a platoon bat. They’ll improve the team, but maybe not boost the star power.”

That’s a logical assessment, but not one that is going to make Tigers fans healthy. 

But it won’t stop fans from feeling underwhelmed, especially with the AL Central nearly locked up and a clear October opportunity on the table.

Detroit has the prospect depth and flexibility to do more. But this front office has consistently prioritized cost control and long-term planning. That doesn’t necessarily mean sitting out the deadline, but it could mean smaller upgrades over big splashes.

And if the Tigers do wind up making subtle moves around the margins, well… Stavenhagen warned you. You have been warned.