The AL Central-leading Tigers were one of the league’s busier teams at the trade deadline, even if the team’s moves were more about adding depth and raising the talent floor than raising the roster’s ceiling in pursuit of a World Series. The big focus was on pitching, as Charlie Morton and Chris Paddack joined the rotation, and Kyle Finnegan, Rafael Montero, and (when he is healthy) Paul Sewald will contribute to the bullpen mix.
Focusing on relief pitching perhaps led to Detroit’s strategy, as president of baseball operations Scott Harris told reporters (including the Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold and the Detroit News’ Chris McCosky) earlier this week. “Some of the prices around the game were really high for short-term rental relievers,” Harris observed. “We felt like it was a better approach for us to attack it in volume with some guys that we like, some guys that are doing some things under the hood that we really value.”
Detroit’s highly-ranked farm system remained pretty much intact in the wake of the deadline, as the Tigers didn’t move any of their best prospects. There wasn’t really any sense that Detroit was even considering any of its top minor leaguers, and as Petzold notes, there weren’t many trades involving top-100 type prospects at this deadline. By that same token, however, Petzold also notes the several prominent deals that didn’t involve elite prospect talent, and wondered if the Tigers could’ve just been a little aggressive in outbidding rival teams for the likes of Merrill Kelly, David Bednar, or Ryan Helsley. (Kelly and Bednar were known to be Detroit trade targets leading up to the deadline.)
This being said, we don’t know what kind of returns clubs were demanding from the Tigers, and Harris indicated that teams wanted a lot. “When it came to the actual prices, a lot of the moves that we passed on felt like moves that were going to haunt us for many years to come,” Harris said. “We have what we think is one of the best, if not the best, farm system in all of baseball. We felt like, at this moment in time, giving up on young players to chase short-term fixes is not in the best interest of the Tigers, both in the short- and long-term.”
The long view is key to Harris’ thought process, as the PBO doesn’t view 2025 as an all-in sort of season. Between the Tigers’ return to the playoffs in 2024 and now their big division lead this season, Harris sees this as the first of many opportunities for the club over a sustained period of time, rather than a window that may align with Tarik Skubal’s remaining two-plus years under arbitration control.
“We want to be good every year. Really, really good every year,” Harris said. “I don’t think we thought about this deadline as different from future years. I always want to sit in front of you and say we’ve got a real good baseball team and we’ve got a lot of chances to get better. I think I can credibly say, we have a really good baseball team by our competitive standing right now. I think I can also credibly say we got better [at the deadline]. And I can credibly say that we have some players coming in our farm system, both for this year and for future years, that are going to help us get even better.”
Time will tell if Harris has made the right call or not, and it should be noted that baseball history is full of under-the-radar deadline additions that ended up making a huge impact on a championship team. That said, there are also plenty of example of contenders who didn’t strike while the iron was hot, and injuries and under-performance then scuttled what seemed to be very promising rosters. Detroit fans waiting for the team’s first World Series title since 1984 may not share Harris’ big-picture view, but the executive is fine with being patient.
“My job is to make the best decisions for this organization,” Harris said. “I understand everybody wants to go grab the flashiest name and not give up any good players. But that’s not an option. We can’t do that. If we’re going to grab those players, we’re going to give up some really talented players and I didn’t think that was in the best interest of our organization.”
Is it possible for a team to ask Detroit for their #2, #4 prospects in exchange for Big Difference Making Bat while simultaneously asking Seattle for only their #9, #17, #19 prospects for the exact same player and then accepting Seattle’s offer??? I mean, would that be classified as collusion, or unfair business practices, or just highly unscrupulous conduct?? Is there anything stopping that from happening? (This is all hypothetical of course; just a thought exercise.)
ISoaB
“Is there anything stopping that from happening?”
No
First, teams aren’t using publicly available prospect rankings to value players. They are using their own internal valuations. So, they could very will think that the lower rated prospects are the better deal.
Second, a team can absolutely choose what teams they want to trade with and what teams they don’t want to trade with for any reason.
vt
“You’d be surprised how closely aligned the public prosp rankings and internal evals are to eachother.”
Not necessarily.
@Ignorant The Tigers have a pretty deep farm at the moment. With that being the case teams were probably asking korw.ofnthem as they felt they could.afford to pay more.
Until trades happen GMs aren’t going to be divulged their asks or others. And the GMs trading away obviously take a look at a teams farm before hand.
In some rare cases two teams could even offer the exact same in players and their rankings. If both teams offered say their #5 and #6 prospects, one teams players are going to rank higher nationally. That does not necessarily make them the best them the best fit so team B might b the one chosen.
Point is not all things are equal and various factor and opinions ultimately factor in.
It happens all the time in Rotessirie leagues. I’m in one league where nearly every discussion of a trade involved a demand of my super-cheap James Wood. Three teams made it clear that without Wood, there was no discussion of any trades at all. Then they proceeded to shamelessly make crazy-generous trades to their friends.
In Roto, I consider that type of blackmail deal collusion, but most of the league owners seem not to agree.
Harris has gotten a rep that he is difficult to deal with. That may have also played a role in how this deadline went down. Could be selling teams moved on from working with the Tigers and to other teams who are more willing to be flexible.
i’d rather have a tough GM than one that is used like a door mat.
I’m glad we hung onto our top 5 prospects. But I am wondering if Max Anderson, Jace Jung and/or Hao-Yu Lee could have brought back something better, because I see them as expendable with the other talent in the system.
Could be other teams don’t value them much, either. Mason Miller cost San Diego MLB’s No. 3 overall prospect AND 3 RHP’s.
I dont see many others teams clamoring for acquiring Jung. His value is clearly down and other teams are well aware. Had.thw Tigers moved him they’d have been selling for pennies on the dollar.
Yeah I’m thinking the same way. I’m guessing nobody was clamoring for JJ, H-YL or Max A.
Of those 3 Anderson is the only 1 I would value. However, he is going on 24 and not a sterling defender. Jung has very little value as an older prospect who is hitting 220 in AAA and Lee is not hitting 250 and is pretty much organizational depth at this point.
Harris did a decent job at the deadline. I agree that he shouldn’t trade any of there top 5 prospects for a rental player . Of which any of the 5 could be the top prospect on other teams. Finnegan and Morton were good affordable pieces. The others players acquired ? Basically lottery tickets hoping they pan out. The bullpen got better, but 3B is still a problem area. Hopefully Tork, Baez and McKinstry can maintain their stats in the second half, because as good as our farm system is; our AAA team is garbage top to bottom. I’m sure Harris will watch the waiver wire when teams start waiving players with contracts they want to get rid of and maybe find a bat or two that way. Guys like Arenado, Robert, etc. could be waived in hopes of a team claiming them and absorbing the contract.
Did any rental net a team’s top 5 prospect? Any trade that did that also included control of player for at least one more year.
Arenado is under contract still until 2027. Luis Robert was the target of tons of trade speculation. There is no way they held onto him just so they can cut him for nothing. They didn’t pull an E-rod and just fumble a trade and now want savings.
Morton and Paddack aren’t horrible, but I think the odds of either of them getting hurt before the season ends is high.
The relievers are scraping the barrel.
It’s fine to say he wants to hold onto prospects, but nobody asked for McGonigle for a rental – it would have been for someone like Duran or Miller and I agree to hold onto him in those cases.
The reason Robert wasn’t moved was because teams wanted the white sox to absorb some of that 40 mill he is owed over the next two seasons, and based on the other available players, teams passed on him.
Those are team options. Robert is owed -0- if he doesn’t perform.
I just want to make sure I’m following correctly. You’re saying the Sox didn’t trade Robert because other teams wanted them to take on some money. The Sox didn’t want to eat any of that money and get a prospect(s) of some degree, but now they’re willing to possibly eat all the money and get nothing if unclaimed, or get nothing and just salary relief if someone grabs him because now those other teams are willing to take on all the cash that they weren’t going to a couple of days ago. However, there’s enough teams averse to it that he’ll fall to the bottom of the waivers and the Tigers will claim him?
I’m not trying to be rude, but that seems like a lot of mental hurdles to justify Scott Harris essentially scraping the barrel at this deadline. Robert is still viewed as a trade piece by the White Sox. He’ll likely go the route of Jurrickson Profar or Michael Fulmer where he’s held onto for too long and their team is left squeezing sand with no real offers of quality – to that I think we’re on the same page.
El… Maybe Morton and Paddock aren’t TOR pitchers, but I sure wish Hoyer would’ve gotten one of them. He did nothing (besides a very iffy Soroka) to address their biggest need- starting pitching.
Give it a chance. So far Paddack, Finnegan and Morton have looked solid. Small sample. Finnegan has already had his pitch selection tweaked with solid results according to the article I read after his first outing. Melton is the substitute for the power arm they didn’t trade for…TBD. Jackson and the guy they got from Atlanta…TBD and replaceable from the farm if Fetter can’t fix them.
Paddack and Morton had very quality starts. Offense couldn’t do anything w/Sanchez. But that’s not rare — he is very impressive. And Finnegan had a nice 4-out save. Looked a lot better than Vest.
Am looking forward to seeing Melton in relief. His start was outstanding.
Would be nice to see Vierling’s bat wake the F up.
Yes, it is.
7 innings, 5 hits, 5 K’s, no runs, no walks. That’s your definition as only “good”? He would be able to go fall throttle if it’s just an inning or two
Melton’s first start was a bad first 2 1/2 innings. First major league action I’m guessing created some nerves. He settled down by the end of the 3rd inning and continued a solid run of innings in his second start. Hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.
People don’t know Chris Fetter and Robin Lund on here. The Tigers have some of the best pitching coaches in the game.
It was indeed an interesting “strategy”: acquire every arm they could get their hands on while simultaneously avoiding giving up as much as humanly possible. If they win the World Series Harris looks like a genius, if they are knocked out in the first round, maybe not so much…
Any team that makes the playoffs has a shot.
Give me 10-1 and I’d gladly make that bet.
“No shot”? The AL is weak for second season in a row. Looks pretty up for grabs at least now.
Just sign a free agent or 2 for 1-3 years if the team is still figuring out who to keep and who to trade.
Fetter will be fully crowned the Pitcher Whisperer if he can do something with Montero.
No matter what he says, he could’ve gotten Suarez or another RH power bat for alot less than our top prospects. The Mariners didn’t give up their top talent to get Suarez. Our offense is going to be the reason why we won’t go far in October
@BM
The season isn’t over. No team has yet filled either of the WS slots. McKinstry is having a great season. Suarez would have been a good fit, but no one else would have been an improvement at 3B. Jones has done well as the RH bat off the bench. They needed depth in the bullpen. I sure would have liked the Montero and Jackson spots to have gone to stronger options. They walk a lot of batters. I like the addition of Morton and Paddock to the rotation. They have likely ensured winning the Central.
Alex Freeland
I wonder how long a leash Montero and Jackson will get? Hannifee, Petit, Lee and eventually Sewald could take their spots if they don’t pan out. Or one of the starters like Cobb or Urquidy.
I agree on Suarez as well but, given what Seattle gave up, I wonder if Arizona insusted on someone higher up the list like Briceno or Melton.
How does Harris guarantee that Detroit will be in a situation like this next year?! You have a double digit lead, 2 starters that can be lights out in the playoffs, and a really good lineup. That doesn’t happen every year, and this could be Detroit’s best chance to win a title. I call BS. Ownership didn’t want to spend money and Harris is one of their lackeys.
Spend the money or throw prospects at other teams?
I’m saying that Illich doesn’t want to get someone like Kelly, Arrenado, Suarez, Correa, etc that will not only cost our top 5 prospects, but also come with a big contract. They would definitely have an impact and possible push Detroit over the top and get them the title, but Illich is being cheap and claiming that maybe next year is the year to go all in and spend. It’s not. He won’t. This was the year.
Karensjer
I’m saying that Illich doesn’t want to get someone like Kelly, Arrenado, Suarez, Correa, etc that will not only cost our top 5 prospects, but also come with a big contract.
=======================
You’re trying to hard. Kelly & Suarez make the same money as Morton & Finnegan. Harris just thought the prospect cost was too high. Nothing to do with money.
Curious as to how Detroit addresses 3B next season. Will they try to give Colt an extended look? Seems to be the best position for him if he can handle it. 2B will be open with Gleybor going into FA. Colt was okay there, but he does not have a lot of range.
McGonigle is getting close and was said to be most likely moving to 2B. Javy is probably guaranteed SS to start next year. The Tigers seem intent on promoting McGonigle and Max Clark at the same time, so they are probably 2027 arrivals. So, will McGonigle play 2B or SS? Will they try HIM at 3B?
One prospect who seems to have played his way back into future considerations is Izaak Pacheco. Next year he’ll be just 23 and seems to have taken a major step this year, hitting .272 .414 .477 .891. He’s another 3B possibility in 2026, but probably more likely 2027 at earliest.
Does make me wonder who’s going to play where in this DET infield, esp Colt, who doesn’t seem like the best option at 1B, 2B or 3B, or even DH.
I think you will see Jung or Lee at 2B to replace Torres in 2026, IF Colt’s throwing arm is up to snuff. Baez and McKinistry split SS AND meadows in CF to start but I think McGonigle and Clark get a callup later in the year and play SS and CF. The reports I’ve seen about McGonigle indicate he could be good enough to stick at SS.
Colt Kieth is the worst defensive 2B I’ve ever seen and Jorge Orta, Tim Raines, Alfonso Soriano and Rickie Weeks.
Controlled relievers did go for a lot this deadline.
With that said this feels like what the O’s did. Trying to improve the team but not at the expense of top prospects.
Every team is looking to compete year after year. To do so you have to draft and develop well and not be afraid to trade top end prospects.
Also you have to be willing to spend.
Everyone wants to model the dodgers. The dodgers draft and develop also will trade top prospects. They also have an insane payroll.
The rays and brewers have been able to do it without spending a lot. They also have a down year here and there. Neither has been able to get their teams to win it all either.
The 4 $300M payroll teams are playing a combined .562, projecting to 91 wins. More money will always equal more wins, but good management can make up for a lot of $$$ deficit.
That’s this year, the key is for teams like the dodgers and Yankees it’s every year. Doesn’t always work out to be a great season but they are always in the playoffs.
I get to say it again!
Could have gotten a haul for Torres, Flaherty. + Lee types
Missed opportunity.
Could have gotten a haul for Vest.
Missed opportunity.
Detroit fans deserve a Dynasty not a Squeeker.
Not enough confidence in his own team.
A+, for what he did -Paddock, Morton were incredible gets.
F, for what he did not do. Huge miss.
Should have hired the Superfife.
Superfife should have hired a promoter.
Trading Torres, Flaherty & Vest could have completely destroyed the positive vibe the team has developed the past year.
Vibe smibe….
This is a baseball team….
Not a hippy commune!
The could have gotten a huge haul and still be competitive. It was a huge missed opportunity to continue to build the team, first place or not.
They s/b doing such thing each and every year, hiring a vet other two to trade. ( save wear on.yournown guys too!)
Agree to disagree
Some seem to forget this is only Scott Harris’s 3rd year. The Tigers are on pace to be a playoff team for the 2nd time in his tenure. Nobody expected that and nobody could have done better IMO.
It COULD be the Harris group secretly don’t believe the Tigers have enough to win it all this season, no matter who they were able to have added. There are some very good teams out there. Can the Tigers beat the Padres in 7? The Rangers? Had they felt the Tigers were closer, they likely would have been more willing to trade prospects.
But with the current glaring issues, it didn’t make sense to weaken the future in order to marginally upgrade a present team they didn’t believe could win it all in ’25.
Flags fly forever. I’ll take one in my lifetime this year for years of futility. I’ve already had that all of my life and am used to it.
If he didn’t believe they could do it, then it’s literally his job to trade or sign pieces that he thinks makes them able to compete. If he thinks that they’re so far off that a couple of upgrades still won’t be enough, then it’s his job to trade expiring contracts for prospects to be more competitive in the future.
I don’t have a problem with him saying this team doesn’t have what it takes to win it all. I have a problem with him saying that and sitting on his hands.
If Harris started selling, he would lose everyone in that clubhouse who won a playoff round last year and are in first place this year. They would never trust AJ or mgt again. They HAVE to keep players for the pennant run.
So far they’ve gotten 2 QS’s and a S with their much-maligned haul.
But they do!!! They are 1 solid #1-2 starter, a lights out closer, and perhaps a 3B who can hit away. They could’ve probably had Kelly/Gallen and Suarez from Arizona for Clark, McGonigle, and a few other prospects.
Ask any Cubs fan if they regret trading Gleyber Torres for Chapman. They don’t. They just talk about the 2016 title. Tigers fans are going to regret this year because they won’t get a better chance at a title than this year for at least another decade.
You are on nuts if you think they would trade two of the top prospects in baseball for two rentals. Devries from SD got traded for Miller who has many years of control. Nobody would do that.
The real BP arms the Yankees got gave up 7 earned runs in their first outing
Go cheer for the Yankees then.
But swept again.
They could’ve traded for Miller or someone with control for the prospects they have. I’m not married to any particular player or someone with or without control. I just think the Tigers could’ve went after some way better caliber players than what they did. Imagine if the Cubs went after Huston Street in 2016 instead of Chapman. It would’ve been the difference between getting ousted in the first round and winning the title. I see little difference between that scenario and what the Tigers have done last week.
So sad.
Total missed.opportunity.
Years now.not.being augmented
All that work….just to be bailed on..
Like Al did. Did not pursue the process because of the now.
Even if he resigned Torres and Flaherty, he will never have those one year opportunities on top players like that again.
Compounded by the fact that what he did do was pretty good to very good. Now.hes probably on about himself.
He should.have done more.
Remember this in 2027, 2028.
Exactly WHY he should have.been selling.
Litmus test= can the Tigers continue to win with out those players?
IF NOT = they need to make the team stronger, make the trade.
IF YES = it’s ok to trade them then and make the future team stronger.
SHOULD HAVE MADE THE TRADE!
Torres, Flaherty, Vest, Kim + more middling prospects = one heck of a haul!!!!
Scott Harris is wrong. If he had a chance to secure a difference making plyer for prospects who may or may not cut it, he should have pulled the trigger.. A bird in the hand, etc. Of course he may have been overruled by the tight fisted Ilich.