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The Detroit Tigers are still in a rebuilding phase. The young talent has shown promise this season but it is unlikely that the team has any postseason success if they even are lucky enough to make it there. For a team like the Tigers, a huge way to help a rebuild is to have a top player that teams want midseason. The Detroit Tigers may just have the top target for this year’s trade deadline.
The Detroit Tigers And The Trade Deadline
I can hear fans how. “But wait, Matt! The Tigers are only two games out from the division lead! We could win this!” I get it. There has been little hope in Detroit for years and now that there is a glimmer, fans want to hang on tight. While this team has been a fun surprise, the success isn’t sustainable. They currently have a -44 run differential and are only 13-19 against teams above .500. While they have started out hot, chances are they fade down the stretch.
Eduardo Rodriguez Could Be A Trade Deadline Target
Rodriguez is having a great season on the mound. He is currently fifth in the league in ERA at 2.19 through 10 starts. His WHIP is a crazy 0.96 and is only allowing hitters a .203 average on the season. Starting pitching is always a hot commodity around the deadline. Teams looking to shore up their rotation will overpay for a pitcher that can help them win a World Series. If Rodriguez keeps these types of numbers up, the Tigers will be getting a lot of calls midseason.
Should The Detroit Tigers Move Him At The Trade Deadline?
The team should absolutely trade him at the deadline. The haul that they would be able to get back for a starting pitcher would be enormous. He also has a player option next year where he could opt out. If he does, the Tigers risk losing him for nothing. Trading Rodriguez would allow them to gain more young assets that could help propel them into winning seasons later. The foundation is there and now they can work on trying to fill around the edges.
The Detroit Tigers Need To Start Winning
It has been six straight losing campaigns for the team. Fans rightfully so might be annoyed if the Detroit Tigers become sellers again at the trade deadline but smart business is smart business. They have the potential to absolutely fleece a team who is looking to win now. Would the San Diego Padres shell out all of their best prospects to try and win now? It sure seems like they are going all-in and desperately need to shore up their rotation.
In June, the Tigers play seven games against the division-leading Twins. This will give management an idea of where the team stands. If the team does well, maybe the Tigers keep things together and try and make a playoff push. If not, the Detroit Tigers should absolutely look to be sellers at the trade deadline.
