Tigers' Casey Mize emerging as under-the-radar trade candidate

Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tigers' Casey Mize emerging as under-the-radar trade candidate

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jul 6, 2026 5:15 PM ET

According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, there is a 60% chance that Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize gets traded ahead of the upcoming Aug. 3 deadline.

While Tarik Skubal remains the number one starter on the Tigers to get traded, Mize has emerged as an under-the-radar trade chip in the starting pitcher market.

He's put up a career-best 2.64 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 72 strikeouts across 13 starts this season, with improved numbers against left-handed opponents, only allowing one home run with 44 strikeouts against them. Mize's improved success this season against lefties has increased his value, as he has transformed a former weakness into a strength.

Coming off an impressive 2025 All-Star campaign last season, Mize has continued to establish himself as a reliable right-handed starter. As a pending free agent in his final year of club control, he carries an appeal factor for contenders as an affordable mid-rotation starter ($6.15 million salary this season).

Casey Mize is listed as the number 8 trade candidate with a “60% chance to get traded” per @JeffPassan and @kileymcd

Tarik Skubal is still the number one player on the list… if you’re the Tigers do you trade one? Both? Neither?⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1WtqG4xlo7
— SleeperTigers (@SleeperTigers) July 6, 2026

Why the Atlanta Braves are a good fit for Casey Mize

As a high-reward, low-cost option, Mize would provide the Braves with solid rotation depth amid their injury-riddled pitching staff. The 29-year-old has boasted a 5.7% walk rate, 34.6% hard hit rate, and 28.7 % whiff rate, making him an ideal candidate who would enhance the Braves' rotation.

As a former No. 1 overall pick and versatile starter, Mize would also provide the Braves with a postseason push when matched up against competitive lineups in the NL, as his arsenal contains a signature and dominant splitter that generates a high 34 % whiff rate.

Mize won his second straight start and picked up his fourth win in the Tigers' 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Sunday. He only gave up two runs on five hits, while striking out four, putting on another clutch performance.

Mize is an ideal target to stabilize the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation

Mize would help to stabilize the Cardinals' rotation, as he has effectively limited the long ball by only giving up five this season, showcasing elite command.

He also provides them with a long-term fixture for their rotation as he's in his ''walk season'' with the Tigers. He has significantly improved his strikeout rate from last season (22.2% in 2025 to 25.7% this season), which would offer the Cardinals a high-impact arm in their rotation.

As a starter who holds a sub-3.00 ERA with a remaining salary of around $2 million, Mize offers significant value as a cost-effective option. It also means that the Cardinals wouldn't have to exhaust their farm system to acquire him.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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