MLB Rumors: Before 2025 Spring Training, the Detroit Tigers need to make the ideal trade
The Detroit Tigers have stated their intention to cause even more damage in 2025 and build on their unexpected run to the MLB postseason in 2024.
The team signed former New York Yankee Gleyber Torres and re-signed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, whom they had dealt at the 2024 deadline. After a 2024 marred by injuries, Detroit also gambled on Alex Cobb, who still has a lot of potential.
After announcing the signing of Tommy Kahnle in January, the Tigers' President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, said the team was still searching for relievers.
We are aware of the Tigers' plans to strengthen their roster. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Detroit is going all out to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, who is regarded as a co-favorite with the Boston Red Sox. It could be wise for Detroit to deal infield prospect Jace Jung if Bregman is acquired.
Which relief relievers are realistically available for the Tigers to acquire, especially if Jung is part of the deal, is the next question.
Although the Cincinnati Reds were allegedly considering offers for Alexis Diaz earlier in the summer, there is no assurance that the team is amenable to dealing him.
It's worth checking in with him having three years of team control and a 2023 All-Star selection.
Additionally, it won't be simple to get him to leave Cincinnati, and someone who is MLB-ready would probably be needed. The following Alexis Diaz trade to the Tigers could be successful:
Tigers receive: Alexis Diaz
Reds receive: Jace Jung
Jace Jung is expendable if Detroit signs Alex Bregman. Only if the Tigers acquire Bregman does the decision to trade Jung actually make sense. Jung might be their starting third baseman otherwise.
Jung made just 34 appearances for the Tigers in mid-August of the previous season. His Triple-A figures were far more impressive and telling than his.241 BA, 0 HR, and.665 OPS during that period.
In 91 games there, he hit 14 home runs and slashed 257/.357/.454.
His plate discipline and healthy walk rates are fueled by his understanding of the strike zone, according to his MLB.com scouting report. "He can demonstrate near-plus power on all fields due to his strength and bat speed."
Jung is filling a need on Cincinnati's side. Despite being a below-average hitter and having trouble fielding last season, Jeimer Candelario is projected to be the Reds' third baseman on Opening Day. The 31-year-old Candelario, who ironically played for the Tigers for a portion of six seasons, has a lower ceiling than Jung.
The Tigers are still looking for assistance in the bullpen.
Jason Foley and Tyler Holton are the two best relievers in Detroit's current stable. Along with a pitcher who can produce a lot of swings and misses, Kahnle gives the squad a new appearance. No team has ever been accused of having too much pitching depth, but the Tigers stated that they want more.
Diaz can contend for the closer position and take a late-inning position if he comes over. Whether he can bounce back from a 2024 season that was still excellent but not as good as the ones he pitched in his first two Major League seasons will be the question.
His strikeout percentage decreased by over eight points (30.1% to 22.7%) from years two to three, resulting in an increase in his ERA from 3.07 to 3.99.
The fact that opponents did not hit the ball as hard against Diaz last season is one statistic that works in his favor. As a result, his hard hit rate and average exit velocity decreased even though more players made contact.
Next year, when he begins his first season of arbitration, Diaz will earn $4.5 million. The Tigers still have a ton of money to spend before they worry about luxury tax issues, so it doesn't really matter.
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