The Biggest Issues the Detroit Tigers Must Address at the Trade Deadline

The Detroit Tigers find themselves in unfamiliar territory. If the MLB playoffs began today, the four-time reigning American League Central Division champions would be mere onlookers.

At 34-32, the Tigers sit five games adrift of Kansas City in the Central and are 1.5 games back of the Yankees and Twins in the wild-card standings.

They have oodles of time to turn things around—96 games, to be precise. And don’t expect Detroit to go down without a fight. This is a proud team that is accustomed to winning.

So, what gives with these suddenly mediocre Tigers?

A bit of everything, really. Both their pitching and hitting have been inconsistent so far this campaign.

	Stat	AL Rank
Fielding independent pitching (FIP)	3.90	8th
Runs per game	4.2	8th

With needs to address, expect the Tigers to be active in trade discussions before the July 31 deadline. That’s nothing new for this franchise. Four of Detroit’s present stars—David Price, Anibal Sanchez, Jose Iglesias and Joakim Soria—were acquired in July trades during the past three years.

With issues on the mound and in the batter’s box, you’d expect both areas to be addressed, right?

Not according to Mario Impemba of Fox Sports Detroit. When questioned by Matt Shepard of 1130 WDFN The Fan, the Tigers announcer pinpointed Detroit’s specific needs.

“I think the two areas the Tigers look at (are) starting pitching and maybe a bullpen arm," Impemba said. "I think they have enough offense, I really do—especially with Victor (Martinez) when he comes back.”

Indeed, the 2014 MLB OPS leader will soon provide a major boost to the Tigers offense. Hence, Detroit’s two focus points are discussed below.

Starting Pitching

This was a major area of strength for the Tigers until recently. Detroit starters ranked either first or second in the league in fielding independent pitching (FIP) in each of the past three seasons. They have taken a big backward step in 2015.

The team's pursuit of a blue-chip starter has already begun. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reported the Tigers have their eye on Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto: 

The acquisition of the Reds righty to go alongside Price—coincidentally his mound opponent on June 17—would give Detroit a pair of elite starters. Impemba gave a thumbs-up to the idea, per Shepard.

“I don’t know about you, but I’d take Cueto right now,” Impemba said.

The Tigers rotation would quickly transform into a powerhouse with Sanchez, Justin Verlander and Alfredo Simon supporting the Cueto-Price duet.

John Minchillo/Associated Press/Associated Press

Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels is another potential ace in the hole for the Tigers. The 2008 World Series MVP is a tasty piece of trade bait for the struggling Phillies, but there are barriers.

Hamels’ contract stipulates that he cannot be traded to particular teams—Detroit is one of them. Furthermore, the four-and-a-half years remaining on his contract mean he would demand much more in return than a half-year rental like Cueto.

Relief Pitching

This always seems to be a potential banana peel for Detroit.

Despite some recent struggles, Soria looks solid at the back end of the Tigers pen. The others seem as puncturable as papier mache.

Don’t let their current ranking of fifth in the league in ERA fool you—it is a smoke screen. Late-inning guys Detroit depends on, such as Joba Chamberlain, Al Alburquerque and Blaine Hardy, are simply not high-stakes playoff material.

There are some big guns out there who may be available—like Aroldis Chapman. However, his caliber are probably out of Detroit’s reach when you consider the parlous state of its prospect pool.

The Tigers could also go middle or down market to find help. Plenty of players could be acquired without necessarily drying out Detroit’s talent well.

Remember the guy pictured below?

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, former Tiger Jason Grilli is still mowing them down at age 38. The Braves closer will be expendable in Atlanta, which is unlikely to make a playoff push. He could capably fill the role of setup man for the Tigers, who have yet to see what they want from Bruce Rondon.

Milwaukee’s Will Smith is another potential pitcher of interest. The Brewers' lefty reliever is quietly having an outstanding season. Smith has racked up more than a strikeout per inning (11.79 K/9), and he has an impressive 1.57 ERA (1.80 FIP).

Detroit needs a dependable second southpaw to support Hardy. Neither Ian Krol (6.75 ERA) nor Tom Gorzelanny (6.27 ERA) has been convincing. A couple of prospects may be enough to entice the rebuilding Brewers to part with the 25-year-old Smith.

All stats courtesy of FanGraphs.

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