Devastating: 3 nightmare scenarios for Detroit Tigers at this year’s MLB trade deadline

As the trade deadline approaches, the league is buzzing with activity. Major buyers like the Dodgers and Orioles are preparing to make significant moves, while major sellers like the White Sox and Marlins are seeking the best deals to bolster their farm systems.

The Tigers find themselves in a position shared by many teams. They are unlikely to be buyers but are expected to trade at least one key player by the deadline. Players like Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Mark Canha are drawing interest this season, though many factors could disrupt their plans before July 30.

3 nightmare scenarios for the Detroit Tigers at this year’s MLB trade deadline

Tigers trade Tarik Skubal

Trading Skubal would be a nightmare scenario for the Tigers.

We’ve already discussed the emotional toll on Detroit fans, who are growing increasingly impatient with the team. But there are also practical concerns: with Reese Olson landing on the IL on Sunday, the Tigers are left with only three starters and few viable options in the minors. Matt Manning has struggled this season, and Jackson Jobe remains in Double-A.

Trading Skubal would not only demoralize the team and its fans but also further weaken an already depleted rotation. While a trade would likely bring in a wealth of young prospects, obtaining a major-league-ready starter in return is highly unlikely. With only a few teams active as buyers or sellers, and the starters from selling teams commanding a high price, the Tigers’ options are limited.

Olson’s injury undoubtedly impacts the Tigers’ willingness to trade Skubal. However, if Casey Mize can return before or shortly after the trade deadline, the Tigers might be tempted. The allure of top prospects from teams like the Dodgers and Orioles could be hard to resist.

Jack Flaherty’s market doesn’t materialize

As mentioned, few teams are expected to be very active in the market, and the major buyers are targeting the top-tier pitchers. Skubal, Garrett Crochet, and possibly Jesús Luzardo, despite his uncertain recovery from a lumbar injury, are among the most coveted. This leaves the next tier of starters—Jack Flaherty, Yusei Kikuchi, and Erick Fedde—still desirable but less likely to command a premium price unless they become consolation prizes for teams scrambling to fill gaps.

Flaherty’s situation is particularly unpredictable due to his recurring back issues, which have caused him to miss a couple of starts over the summer. Although he has avoided the IL, the recurring pain and his history of injuries and inconsistent performance might make teams hesitant to acquire him.

The Orioles could have been interested in Flaherty as a backup option if they miss out on Skubal or if Skubal isn’t traded. However, Flaherty has a troubled history in Baltimore, having been traded there previously and demoted to the bullpen, where he struggled. This makes it unlikely that the Orioles will take another chance on him.

Considering the state of the Tigers’ rotation, not trading Flaherty might not be disastrous in the short term. However, it would mean dealing with any potential issues themselves and missing out on acquiring prospects through a trade. At this point, trading a healthy Flaherty seems crucial. However, if the Dodgers acquire Crochet and the Orioles stay away, the market for Flaherty could become uncertain.

Mark Canha’s injuries act up

Canha seemed almost untradeable in early July, as he and Gio Urshela went a combined 12-for-45 over a seven-game stretch. This slump coincided with a rough period for Detroit’s hitters overall, which may have been a temporary issue. Canha’s performance was crucial for the Tigers’ trade deadline plans, especially if they aimed to package him with Flaherty.

However, Canha has rebounded, particularly during Detroit’s series against the Dodgers, and has maintained his production past the All-Star break. Over his last seven games, he’s batting .364 with a 1.072 OPS, including a home run, three RBIs, and five walks. His OBP remains the second-best among qualified Tigers hitters, trailing only Riley Greene.

Yet, Canha’s sore wrist, which sidelined him on July 13, remains a concern. He has played in three of the Tigers’ four games since the All-Star break and has performed well, but the wrist issue needs to be monitored closely over the next week.

If Canha’s injury forces him to sit out more games or land on the IL, it would severely hinder the Tigers’ chances of trading him.