Tigers' surprising ALDS Game 1 starter emphasizes trade-deadline mistakes

The Detroit Tigers made an unexpected choice as the starting pitcher for the first game of the ALDS.

Rookie Troy Melton, who primarily worked as a multi-inning reliever or an opener after the trade deadline, will get the start. Melton made one appearance during the wild-card round, allowing four runs on three hits, including a home run, and a walk while recording one out to take the loss in Game 2.

The Tigers' decision to turn to the 24-year-old rookie also reflects upon general manager Jeff Greenberg's performance at the trade deadline. Melton made two starts prior to the deadline when the Tigers acquired Chris Paddack and Charlie Morton, bumping the rookie to the bullpen.

Troy Melton start underscores Detroit Tigers' trade-deadline misses

Those moves proved to be disastrous. Paddack made six starts before being sent to the bullpen, primarily serving as a mop-up pitcher and made one final start on Sept. 28. He posted a disappointing 6.32 ERA and a 1.298 WHIP over his 47 innings in Minnesota, allowing 14 home runs while issuing 10 walks with 29 strikeouts.

Morton was even worse. He posted a miserable 7.09 ERA and a 1.602 WHIP over 39.1 innings, striking out 47 batters with 23 walks before being designated for assignment on Sept. 21. Paddack and Morton were two of the Tigers' five worst pitchers in 2025 despite throwing just 86.1 innings between them.

Melton, meanwhile, performed admirably in his first taste of major league action. He posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.007 WHIP in 45.2 innings, striking out 36 batters with 15 walks. 

The Tigers are hoping that Melton's playoff implosion was just a blip on the radar. If he performs well in his outing on Saturday, he will further underscore Detroit's mistakes at the trade deadline.