Tigers Could Fill Two Key Needs in One Deadline Deal

With the best record in baseball, the Detroit Tigers don’t have a long list of trade deadline needs. But they do have one clear gap: a lockdown closer with swing-and-miss stuff. Add in another reliable infield bat, and Detroit might just have the final pieces to level up for October.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Minnesota Twins might have both.

Heyman reports the Twins are now “seriously listening” on several rental players, including former Tigers utility man Willi Castro. More importantly, they’re open to dealing All-Star closer Jhoan Duran. That part comes with a warning—Heyman says it would take a “blow-you-away” package to get Duran.

For the Tigers, the fit is hard to ignore.

Let’s start with Duran: a 26-year-old flamethrower who averages more than 13 strikeouts per nine innings and regularly hits 100 mph. He has four years of team control left and the kind of late-inning presence Detroit hasn’t had since the prime Todd Jones days. He won’t be cheap—but he might be worth it.

Then there’s Castro.

Tigers fans know the name. Castro was a versatile, steady piece during his time in Detroit, and he’s only gotten more valuable in Minnesota. This year, he’s hitting from both sides and has played third, shortstop, second, and all three outfield spots. That’s the kind of depth playoff teams need in the stretch run.

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO REUNITE WITH CASTRO AND LAND DURAN?

If the Tigers want to go all-in, a combo deal could check two major boxes. Detroit has the farm system to make it happen, including the new No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. And if Minnesota is serious about selling, Detroit should at least be picking up the phone.

They don’t need a blockbuster. But this one could actually make sense.