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Beat Writer Reveals Insights Into Detroit Tigers Trade Deadline Strategy

The Detroit Tigers sit several games under .500 and on the outside looking in at a playoff spot. That said, the squad is not necessarily out of the postseason picture due to a strong starting rotation. With one or two additional bats, whether from internal improvement or via trade, the team could jump right into the playoff mix with just one hot streak.

However, multiple reports suggest that the Tigers plan to sell veterans at the July 30 trade deadline, no matter where they sit in the standings. It’s unlikely that the team trades away young, high-upside players under team control. But it seems that veterans, seemingly on short or expiring contracts, are fair game.

This might be the right decision, as the Tigers front office could justify selling veterans at the deadline to add more long-term pieces. It appears to be a seller’s market this summer, and the Tigers could take advantage of that to further support the next winning window.

Fans will surely be disappointed with yet another season being over by August. However, as early as next season, the Detroit faithful could be thankful that the Tigers flipped these veterans this summer.

Reports: Detroit Tigers To Sell Veterans At The Trade Deadline

Jack Flaherty

Detroit signed Jack Flaherty this winter, hoping to revive him after years of injuries and underperformance. To everyone’s credit, the signing could not have worked out better. In 14 games this season, the former top prospect has tossed 83 1/3 innings with a 2.92 ERA (143 ERA+) and excellent strikeout and walk rates.

With the Miami Marlins top starters out with injury and unlikely to get traded, Flaherty might easily represent the best starter available. Detroit knows that and wants to take advantage.

In a recent appearance with Foul Territory, Tigers beat writer Evan Petzold revealed that the team does not like their postseason chances and will look to sell. Even more telling into Detroit’s internal self-analysis, Petzold said Flaherty “has been on the table since the beginning [of the season].”

Petzold also revealed that a source told him that selling Flaherty would have been a realistic scenario even if the Tigers were hypothetically in first place. Even if fans think the Tigers can make a run in the second half, Petzold summed up the situation pretty well.

“Jack Flaherty is definitely gonna be on the move, that’s happening”

Veteran Right-Handed Bats

Right after talking about Flaherty, Petzold identified Mark Canha and Carson Kelly as potential Tigers trade deadline chips. Both veterans are providing roughly league-average offense while playing on expiring and inexpensive deals. Neither will bring back a huge return but could net an intriguing prospect.

Gio Urshela was also mentioned, but as an unlikely trade candidate due to is immense struggles. At this point, the free-agent addition is more likely to get designated for assignment than traded at the deadline.

Mark Canha

Canha, 35, has hit .240/.348/.362 (107 wRC+) with a great walk rate. On the other hand, he is not hitting the ball hard or making high quality contact. That said, he brings value by bringing a professional approach at the plate and providing average defense in the outfield and first base.

Perhaps the best strategy for a team interested in acquiring Canha would be to use him in a platoon. This year, the California-native has produced a 148 wRC+ against southpaws and a 95 wRC+ against righties. Additionally, his slugging and power numbers are much higher against lefties, albeit in 142 fewer at-bats.

Last year, the New York Mets acquired Milwaukee’s 30th ranked prospect for Canha. He might not make it to the majors, but features one signature pitch and has potential if he develops another pitch or two. This is the type of gamble that the Tigers should look to acquire for a veteran like Canha. It’s a low-risk deal that could return a useful piece for a future winning team.

Carson Kelly

Kelly was a top catching prospect after the Cardinals selected him the second round of the 2012 draft. But, since he was blocked by Yadier Molina, St. Louis flipped him to Arizona in the Paul Goldschmidt trade. Despite the pedigree, Kelly has largely dealt with injury and underperformance in his career.

However, he is still just 29 and is having a nice season with Detroit. In a part-time role (45 games), Kelly has hit .248/.331/.380 (106 wRC+) with good hard-hit and exit velocity rates. Additionally, defensive metrics paint his defense in a positive light.

Solid catching is hard to come by in Major League Baseball. A team could be interested in Kelly for a backup/insurance type of role down the stretch. He could also provide value as a pinch-hitter or part time DH. This type of role often pops up in postseason baseball, and Kelly could fit the role well.

Kelly and Canha will not represent the biggest names or best bats available this summer. However, if the Tigers chose to sell at the trade deadline, both should likely generate interest from teams looking for value and deals.

Main Photo Credits: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Giglio

Ryan Giglio

A passionate sports fan all his life, he became a writer for Last Word on Sports in 2023. His favorite teams are the Mets, Nets, NY Giants and Jets.

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