Tigers May Deal Former First-Round Pick for an All-Star Third Baseman

It’s a notable shift for a player who has consistently ranked among the top prospects in the Tigers' system. Jung has hit well across three minor-league seasons, posting a .252/.376/.458 slash with 52 home runs and 184 RBI in 306 games. The left-handed hitter, who doesn’t turn 25 until October, was expected to be part of Detroit’s long-term infield picture.

But the jump to the majors hasn’t gone smoothly. 

Jung has struggled in his first 52 big-league games, slashing just .194/.320/.234 with a -0.9 bWAR. His pop hasn’t shown up yet. The approach at the plate is there, but the hard contact is missing.

That’s not to say the Tigers are giving up on him, not entirely. But in a year where Detroit’s offense is clicking, Tarik Skubal is stealing the soles of major league hitters and the team looks poised to contend, even recent first-rounders can become expendable.

If the right deal for an impact third baseman materializes, Jung might be the cost. That’s the business of baseball when you are chasing championships. Sometimes, you cash in on promise for production.

And if the Tigers believe they’re close, they need to remember parades are better than potential.