As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, Detroit Tigers fans are on high alert. After a promising start to July, a mid-month slump has the team looking for ways to bolster their roster for a potential playoff push. President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris is treading carefully, hesitant to mortgage the future for short-term gains. This article provides a comprehensive tracker of the latest rumors, news, and analysis surrounding the Detroit Tigers as they navigate the trade deadline.
The focus remains on acquiring players who can contribute to immediate success without sacrificing valuable prospects. Key areas of interest include third base and relief pitching. The situation is fluid, with multiple potential targets emerging and disappearing as the deadline draws near. From injured relievers to coveted third basemen, the Tigers are exploring all avenues to improve their team.
Here’s a breakdown of the key storylines:
- The latest on the Eugenio Suárez situation.
- The acquisition of Rafael Montero and its implications.
- Updates on other potential trades and roster moves.
Eugenio Suárez Traded to Seattle Mariners
The Detroit Tigers’ pursuit of Eugenio Suárez appears to have ended, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan reporting that the Seattle Mariners have traded for the Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman. This move removes a significant target from the Tigers’ potential acquisitions as they look to improve their infield.
The Tigers were reportedly hesitant to part with top prospects for Suárez, given his status as a potential rental. The team also has pressing needs in the bullpen, making the acquisition of a third baseman less of a priority. However, Suárez’s power and RBI production would have been a welcome addition to the Detroit lineup.
With Suárez now heading to Seattle, the Tigers will need to explore other options at third base. Internal candidates and other potential trade targets will likely be evaluated as the trade deadline approaches. The team’s focus remains on finding a player who can provide both offensive and defensive value without costing too much in terms of prospects.
Tigers Add Right-Hander Rafael Montero
In a move to bolster their bullpen, the Detroit Tigers acquired right-hander Rafael Montero from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Double-A infielder Jim Jarvis. Montero has a 5.40 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings this season. While his numbers aren’t stellar, the Tigers are hoping he can recapture his 2022 form, when he posted a 2.37 ERA with the Houston Astros.
Montero’s chase rate (32.2%) and whiff rate (28.9%) rank in the upper percentiles among relievers, suggesting he has the potential to be an effective late-inning option. The Tigers are banking on his ability to generate swings and misses, which could be valuable in high-leverage situations. This move reflects the Tigers’ need for bullpen depth as they contend for a playoff spot.
The acquisition of Montero addresses one of the Tigers’ needs, but it’s unlikely to be the only move they make before the trade deadline. The team is still searching for upgrades at other positions, including third base and potentially another arm for the bullpen.
Tigers Acquire Injured Reliever from Cleveland Guardians
The Detroit Tigers traded for an injured right-handed reliever from the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, July 31, in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The 35-year-old has been on the injured list since mid-July with a right shoulder strain, but the Tigers expect him to be healthy by early September.
The move is a calculated risk for the Tigers, who are hoping the reliever can contribute down the stretch and into the playoffs. If he can return to full health, he could provide valuable experience and depth to the bullpen. However, there’s also the possibility that he won’t be able to recover fully from the injury, in which case the Tigers will have given up minimal assets for a player who doesn’t contribute.
This trade reflects the Tigers’ willingness to take chances in order to improve their team. They’re not afraid to acquire players with injury concerns, as long as the potential reward outweighs the risk.
Other Notable Trade Deadline Moves
Several other notable trades have occurred around the league, impacting the market for the Detroit Tigers. Jhoan Duran is reportedly headed to the Philadelphia Phillies, while Trevor and Tyler Rogers, twin pitchers, were traded by different teams on the same day. These moves further shape the landscape of available players and potential targets for the Tigers.
The Phillies’ acquisition of Duran removes another top reliever from the market, potentially driving up the price for other available arms. The trades involving the Rogers twins highlight the demand for relief pitching, as teams look to fortify their bullpens for the playoff push.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Tigers will need to remain active and aggressive in order to secure the players they need. The competition is fierce, but the Tigers are determined to improve their team and make a run at the postseason.
Detroit Tigers Lose Reese Olson for Season
In a significant blow to their pitching staff, the Detroit Tigers have lost right-handed starter Reese Olson for the season with a shoulder strain. This injury further depletes an already thin pitching rotation, forcing the Tigers to explore external options to fill the void.
The loss of Olson underscores the importance of adding pitching depth at the trade deadline. With several other pitchers already on the injured list, the Tigers can’t afford to stand pat. They need to acquire at least one reliable starter to help them navigate the rest of the season.
The Tigers have already made some moves to address their pitching needs, acquiring Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins. However, they may need to make additional moves to adequately replace Olson and ensure they have enough pitching to compete down the stretch.
Detroit Tigers Acquire Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak
The Detroit Tigers acquired right-handers Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for 19-year-old catcher . Paddack has a 4.95 ERA with 27 walks and 83 strikeouts across 111 innings in 21 starts this season. Dobnak has spent all but one game in 2025 with Triple-A St. Paul, registering a 7.12 ERA with 35 walks and 42 strikeouts over 60⅔ innings in 17 games.
Paddack provides the Tigers with a veteran starter who has shown flashes of potential. While his ERA isn’t ideal, he has a track record of success and could benefit from a change of scenery. Dobnak adds depth to the pitching staff and could serve as a spot starter or long reliever.
This trade addresses the Tigers’ need for pitching depth, but it’s unlikely to be the final move they make before the trade deadline. The team is still searching for upgrades at other positions, including third base and potentially another arm for the bullpen.
Conclusion
As the 2025 MLB trade deadline nears, the Detroit Tigers are actively seeking ways to improve their roster for a playoff push. While the pursuit of Eugenio Suárez ended with him heading to Seattle, the Tigers have made several other moves to bolster their pitching staff and address other needs.
The acquisitions of Rafael Montero, Chris Paddack, and Randy Dobnak provide the Tigers with additional depth and potential upgrades. However, the loss of Reese Olson to injury underscores the importance of continuing to explore external options.
With President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris at the helm, the Tigers are taking a measured approach to the trade deadline. They’re hesitant to part with top prospects for short-term gains, but they’re also willing to take calculated risks in order to improve their team. As the deadline approaches, expect the Tigers to remain active and aggressive in their pursuit of talent.
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