Tigers targeting late-inning reliever if they buy at MLB trade deadline, per insider

The Detroit Tigers are approaching the August 3 MLB trade deadline with a decision that could shape the franchise’s direction for years. According to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, if the Tigers choose to buy rather than sell, they have a clear target: a late-inning reliever.

“The Tigers are asking for a late-inning reliever in trade talks, believing that it’s essential if they are going to make a deep run in October,” Nightengale reported Saturday.

The Tigers currently sit in the middle of a wide-open American League playoff picture. With several teams still uncertain about their own deadline plans, Detroit’s choice could ripple through the market. If they sell, stars like Tarik Skubal, Gleyber Torres and Casey Mize would become highly sought-after trade chips. But if they buy, the bullpen becomes the priority.

Key facts

Options on the market

Several relievers could fit the Tigers’ needs, though the tier of available arms varies. The most prominent name mentioned is New York Mets right-hander Luke Weaver, who has been effective in a setup role. Weaver, 32, carries a 3.12 ERA over 45 appearances this season and has experience pitching in high-leverage situations. The Mets may be open to moving him as they retool, but his price could be high.

Cheaper alternatives from the same Mets bullpen include left-hander A.J. Minter and veteran Brooks Raley. Both have late-inning experience and could be acquired for less prospect capital. The Sporting News noted that Minter and Raley are “slightly cheaper” options who could fill the same role.

In San Diego, the Padres have several relievers who could interest Detroit. While Mason Miller is considered unrealistic — MLB executives believe the Padres will trade him, but his price tag is prohibitive — Adrian Morejon and Jason Adam are more attainable. Morejon, a lefty, has a 2.89 ERA in 52 innings, while Adam has posted a 3.45 ERA with 15 saves for the Padres. Both would give the Tigers a reliable late-inning presence.

Why the bullpen matters

The Tigers’ rotation has been solid, anchored by Skubal and Mize, but the bullpen has been inconsistent. Entering the final week of July, Detroit’s relief corps ranks 19th in the majors in ERA (4.18) and 22nd in save percentage (64%). Adding a proven late-inning arm would shorten games and give manager AJ Hinch more flexibility in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

The motivation for buying is clear: the American League lacks a dominant team. The defending champion Rangers have been inconsistent, the Astros are aging, and the Yankees have dealt with injuries. The Tigers, who have not reached the postseason since 2014, see a genuine opportunity.

What the next week decides

The Tigers’ next seven games — a home series against the Twins followed by a three-game set in Kansas City — could determine their deadline posture. If they go 5-2 or better, the front office is likely to add. If they stumble, a fire sale becomes more probable.

“The next week of games before the August 3 trade deadline could determine the future of the Tigers franchise,” the report noted. “They might either be adding late-inning reliever help or parting with valuable assets like Skubal, Mize, and Torres.”

For now, general manager Scott Harris and manager AJ Hinch are keeping their options open. The Tigers have been in contact with multiple teams, but no deal is imminent. The market is fluid, and other clubs are waiting to see whether Detroit emerges as a buyer or seller before shaping their own strategies.

What this means for Tigers fans

This report gives fans a clear lens into the front office’s thinking. If the Tigers buy, the focus is not on a star hitter or a rotation upgrade — it is on a specialized bullpen piece. That suggests the organization believes the current roster, with Skubal and the position-player core, is good enough to compete in October if the bullpen can hold leads.

The lack of a consensus top-tier reliever available means the Tigers may have to be creative. Weaver, Minter, Raley, Morejon and Adam are all solid options, but none are elite closers. Detroit may also look at smaller-market teams like the Pirates or Marlins for bullpen depth.

The final verdict will come in the next eight days. Until then, the Tigers remain one of the most intriguing teams at the deadline — a team that could either accelerate its rebuild or take a shot at a deep October run.

Source: Yahoo Sports / The Sporting News – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mlb-insider-reveals-tigers-want-154933595.html