The Detroit Tigers are having an outstanding season and are virtually guaranteed to win the American League Central, holding an 11.5-game lead in the division. With only a few tasks left—like fine-tuning their roster, keeping players healthy, and possibly adding another pitcher or two—they’re well on their way to a deep postseason run.
Detroit boasted six All-Stars this year, and the pitching staff is anchored by AL Cy Young contender Tarik Skubal, who’s been a crucial asset in easing the load on the bullpen whenever he takes the mound.
With the MLB trade deadline just two weeks away, expect the Tigers to make a move, targeting teams that are selling off pieces to further bolster their roster.
Pirates’ David Bednar Named as ‘Perfect Fit’
In this potential blockbuster trade idea, the Detroit Tigers would acquire Pittsburgh Pirates’ strikeout artist David Bednar.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently ran a hypothetical trade piece, and named Bednar as a perfect fit for the Tigers, who might be looking for a reliever with swing and miss stuff.
“Beyond the bullpen, the Tigers don’t need much. They can really hit, with eight of their nine regulars sporting slugging percentages of .415 or better. Manager AJ Hinch’s constant tinkering — the most Detroit has used one lineup this time is four times — doesn’t just work, it is an identity the team embraces, ” wrote Passan.
The Tigers are as complete as it gets, but every team with World Series aspirations always needs bullpen reinforcements.
“And as much as the Tigers could use capital from their tremendous farm system to add to this team, they don’t necessarily need it. This is the second year of a window that’s bound to last. Securing Bednar’s services for two playoff runs is the sort of incremental step needed to capitalize in a down American League.”
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