With the July 30th trade deadline now only a month away, many MLB teams have an idea of where they will stand come playoff time. Unsurprisingly, the Detroit Tigers are well out of the playoff race currently as they are 11 games under .500 with a slim chance of turning it around. This means they will likely look to sell some of their players ahead of the trade deadline to maximize value. Outside of the younger players on the team and prospects who will be a part of the team’s future, none of the older veterans will be untouchable. Although not every veteran will be sold at the deadline, there are five players that are more likely to be dealt.
Michael Fulmer
After returning from Tommy John Surgery last season, Michael Fulmer has worked his way from being a starter to a bullpen arm. Since making that transition this season he has looked great. He’s performed well as both the set up man and as the closer as need be. Fulmer being a reliable bullpen arm could prove valuable at the deadline even if he had a worse play in June. Given the former AL Rookie of the Year’s good age of 28, I think it’s less likely the Tigers move him without a decent trade package coming back.
Matt Boyd
Matt Boyd is currently having a career year for the Tigers despite a recent dip in performance. His 3.44 ERA and good control of base runners could get a team to kick the tires at the deadline. Boyd’s recent injury could hinder his value and the Tigers might be forced to sell low or not at all. There’s a high chance the Tigers at least attempt to move Boyd for the right price considering all the young arms coming up, the emergence of Spencer Turnbull, and the possibility of Justin Verlander returning to Detroit. There should be quite a few suitors for Boyd should the Tigers decide to move on.
Jose Cisnero
With how inconsistent the Tigers bullpen has been, Jose Cisnero has been a great reliever for the team this season. At 32 years old, Cisnero is playing the best ball of his life posting a 2.91 ERA and 1.206 WHIP. Detroit is likely to shop him due to his age and the timeline of their rebuild. This could leave the team short in the bullpen for the remainder of the season which could cause the team to slide. If the team can’t find a trade partner then they should try to extend Cisnero for the next season or two. Whichever direction the team goes, they shouldn’t let Cisnero walk for nothing.
Robbie Grossman
The Tigers leadoff man Robbie Grossman is another name being floated around as a trade target for teams looking to buy. The Tigers acquired the switch hitting outfielder from free agency this past offseason and he has so far proved his worth to the organization. While Grossman’s .226 Batting Average isn’t spectacular, this is mostly due to a bad June. Grossman is typically an average hitter but where his value comes from is his defense and good plate discipline. His 44 walks are good for 12th in the MLB and 8th in the American League. Grossman’s ability to get on base should make him a value asset at the deadline and his low cap hit of $5 Million signed through the end of next season could be attractive for small market clubs. The Oakland Athletics could be a team interested in Grossman considering they are familiar with his play from the last few seasons and due to his low cost. If he remains in the Old English D through this season, he will most likely be shopped at next year’s deadline as well.
Jonathan Schoop
Tigers first baseman and designated hitter Jonathan Schoop is another name to watch ahead of the deadline. Perhaps one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball, Schoop is batting .327 in June with 23 RBIs and 10 home runs. Schoop could be a luxury piece for teams looking for a little juice off the bench as they head into the postseason. Schoop’s recent hitting is something the Tigers will look to capitalize on as he isn’t a part of their long term plan. At age 29, Schoop could provide a few years of good at-bats for interested teams. Although, his lackluster defensive play means he will mostly only attract American League squads or National League squads looking for a pinch hitter. As the season reaches the midway point, I believe this will be Schoop’s last season with Detroit as he will pursue a contending team in free agency.
What to Expect
There is a low chance that everyone mentioned will be sold at the deadline but don’t expect the tigers to stand put. This squad, while it has played better ball lately, won’t be in postseason talks at the deadline. They will shop their veterans and pending free agents in order to get building blocks for the future. Look for the team to move on from one to three players by the time we hit August. The next month of play will cement the value of the aforementioned Tigers players for the deadline. Keep an eye on their offensive and defensive play ahead of that July 30th deadline.
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