Could the Detroit Tigers Actually Entertain This Wild Trade Deadline Blockbuster?
For the first time in what feels like ages, the Detroit Tigers are heading into the dog days of summer looking like a team with real World Series aspirations.
If Detroit can maintain its current performance and strategically add to its roster, there’s a legitimate shot they could emerge as a major threat in the American League come October. While their starting rotation seemed like the team’s foundation early on, injuries have shaken things up, creating an urgent need to add another starter before the trade deadline.
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Just how bold the Tigers are willing to be in acquiring a pitcher remains unclear, but at least one media figure believes they should swing for the fences.
Reigning NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale is once again performing at an elite level for the Braves—who surprisingly find themselves outside of the playoff picture. Though a trade seems unlikely due to Sale’s remaining team control and Atlanta’s belief in his role for 2025, speculation hasn’t stopped.
97.1 The Ticket’s Mike Valenti recently proposed a staggering trade idea to land Sale in Detroit. The suggestion includes giving up either Max Clark or Kevin McGonigle, one of Bryce Rainer, Josue Briceño, or Thayron Liranzo, the next three top prospects in the pipeline, plus 17-year-old phenom Cris Rodriguez.
Sure, the logic of going all-in to chase a championship this year has some appeal. A rotation featuring Sale alongside Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty would be formidable.
But the proposed trade? Borderline outrageous.
The truth is, the Tigers are ahead of schedule and built for long-term success. Championship-caliber teams are usually built through homegrown development—not by gutting the farm for a single-season push. Scott Harris knows this, and he’s unlikely to sacrifice the franchise’s future for a short-sighted gamble.
Detroit should absolutely be in the mix for deadline upgrades. But dismantling the best farm system in baseball for one pitcher, even someone like Sale, simply isn’t the move.
The Tigers will be active—and potentially aggressive—at the deadline. But this trade? It’s pure madness.
