While the Detroit Tigers remain atop MLB standings, it becomes more and more likely they would look to buy at the trade deadline in July.
The Tigers have a top-5 offense, top-10 defense and, at this point, should be aiming to make a deep run in the playoffs.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the trade deadline will be whether the Pittsburgh Pirates decide to ship off ace right hander Paul Skenes.
The Pirates have had a rough season so far — 15.5 games out of the playoffs and an early manager change — and might not want to waste the chance to get a haul for a 23-year-old star pitcher with a career 2.03 ERA in 35 games.
While Pittsburgh has not publicly stated its interest in trading the LSU product, the results may weigh on them and open up a scenario where Skenes heads somewhere like Detroit.
Former Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden recently outlined a handful of trade packages that could be proposed to try and lure Skenes away from the Pirates in an article for The Athletic.
Among bids from teams like the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, Bowden’s pitch for the Tigers would be major.
A proposal of outfielder Max Clark (Tigers’ No. 1 prospect), shortstop Bryce Rainer (No. 3), and right-handed pitchers Jaden Hamm (No. 7) and Owen Hall (No. 9) would fit the bill from Bowden’s perspective.
It’s a steep price to send four of the Tigers’ top-10 prospects, including a top-10 prospect in the league in Clark. However, Skenes would come with more than four years of team control.
Skenes becoming Detroit’s No. 2 pitcher behind reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal would be absolutely lethal in a postseason run.
And given the uncertainty of Skubal’s contract status with the Tigers past 2026, Skenes’ arrival could also be a play for their future.
There’s still plenty of time before the deadline, but a bold move may be out there for Detroit.
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