Players the Tigers should target at trade deadline to help end championship drought

With the best record in the American League at 53-32, the Detroit Tigers have their eyes on their first World Series title since 1984. Holding an 11.5-game lead in the AL Central, the largest margin of any division leader, Detroit has a 99.3 percent chance of making the playoffs and owns the third-best World Series odds at +850, according to ESPN Bet. Only the Dodgers and Yankees are ahead of them.

Despite a dominant first half, the Tigers are not without flaws. With fellow contenders like the Yankees and Astros likely to make deadline moves, Detroit must also act aggressively if it hopes to go from division champs to World Series winners.

Areas of concern

Offensive depth and baserunning

While the Tigers rank in the top eight in MLB in runs, batting average, OPS and home runs, some issues persist. Detroit ranks dead last in stolen bases and lacks consistent production on the left side of the infield. Zack McKinstry leads the team with 10 steals and hit .321 in June, but he has never driven in more than 35 runs in a season. Andy Ibanez has also struggled to contribute consistently, and rookie shortstop Trey Sweeney has yet to prove himself at the plate.

Starting rotation and bullpen

Tarik Skubal is putting together a Cy Young-caliber season, and Casey Mize is pitching like an All-Star. However, things get shaky beyond that. Reese Olson has missed time, Jackson Jobe is out for the season after 10 starts and Jack Flaherty has underwhelmed with a 5-9 record and 4.80 ERA. The bullpen, a strength last year, holds a respectable 3.71 ERA, ranking 13th in MLB, but lacks the dominant presence typically found on title contenders.

Players the Tigers should target

Infield

• Nolan Arenado, Cardinals: Batting .247 with 10 homers, Arenado isn’t having his best year, but his elite defense and postseason pedigree would be a major upgrade at third base.
• Eugenio Suarez, Diamondbacks: He began his career in Detroit and has 26 home runs and 69 RBI through 82 games. He would elevate the lineup tremendously.
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Pirates: Offers speed, contact and versatility, three things Detroit badly needs. He can also play multiple positions defensively.

Outfield/DH

• Marcell Ozuna, Braves: Ozuna hit 40 home runs with 100 RBI in 2023 and followed that up with 39 homers and 104 RBI last season. With Atlanta underperforming and Ozuna a pending free agent, he’d add much-needed protection behind Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.

Starting pitcher

• Eduardo Rodriguez, Diamondbacks: Rodriguez has struggled in Arizona with a 6-8 record and 5.09 ERA since 2024, but a return to Detroit, where he posted a 3.30 ERA in 2023, could benefit both sides. He’s familiar with the organization and adds needed depth and experience.

Relief pitchers

• Felix Bautista, Orioles: In 151 career appearances, Bautista has been an elite shutdown reliever. He owns a 2.01 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 3.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
• Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox: Chapman is having a tremendous bounce-back year with a 1.32 ERA and 14 saves. He also brings 44 games of postseason experience.
• Kyle Finnegan, Nationals: Finnegan has 106 career saves, including 18 this season. He owns a career 2.5 K/BB ratio and excels at limiting hard contact.
• Anthony Bender, Marlins: While his strikeout-to-walk ratio is a career low, he has held right-handed batters to a .147 average.

The city of Detroit is hungry for a winner. With a few key upgrades at the deadline, the Tigers have a real shot at ending a 41-year championship drought.