CONFIRMED: Tigers-Marlins Trade Completes Detroit’s Rotation

After finishing the 2024 season strong, the Detroit Tigers defied expectations by making the playoffs, despite many writing them off at this time last year. Fast forward a year, and they now hold the best record in Major League Baseball, with high hopes for a deep postseason run.

Still, like any playoff contender, the Tigers could look to improve their roster as the July 31st trade deadline approaches. While they’re led by All-Stars Riley Greene, Gleyber Torres, Zack McKinstry, and others, the real standout has been AL Cy Young frontrunner Tarik Skubal, who’s aiming to win the prestigious award for the second year in a row. Supporting Skubal in the rotation are Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty.

Mize, an All-Star selection, has been a reliable No. 2 starter, but Flaherty has struggled with inconsistency, carrying an ERA above 4.50. With an 11.5-game lead in the AL Central, the Tigers are practically guaranteed a division title and are already turning their focus to October.

The Miami Marlins have exceeded expectations this season, proving to be a tough and scrappy team, especially on the road. However, with no serious Wild Card contention, they could likely become sellers as the trade deadline approaches. Among the players likely to draw interest from playoff-bound teams is starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, who could be a strong addition to a Detroit Tigers team looking to bolster their rotation for a potential deep postseason run.

 

Cabrera is a pitcher Detroit can afford, and he’s quietly enjoying the best season of his young career. With a 3.61 ERA over 82.1 innings, along with 86 strikeouts and a walk rate around three per nine innings, Cabrera’s control has significantly improved from past seasons, making him a valuable asset to any rotation.

Detroit Has Capital to Give Up

For the Detroit Tigers, the time is now, and the front office understands that. They don’t want to take a chance on running out a starter that can’t get the job done in October, and blow the chance of having Skubal carry them to an AL Pennant. A deal like this would likely cost Detroit a position player, maybe a guy like Trey Sweeney or Parker Meadows, and a higher-tier prospect in their loaded farm system. A name that comes to mind is Thayron Liranzo, a catcher prospect who is expected to be MLB-ready next season. The Miami Marlins may also ask for a pitcher of some sort to replace Cabrera.

As the deadline gets closer and closer, Detroit is expected to be a buyer, and look out for them to make a big splash in the coming weeks.

A trade for Cabrera would certainly complete the Tigers’ rotation, and actually may give them one of the best starting rotations in baseball.