The Detroit Tigers have a golden opportunity to address multiple needs with one bold move—if they’re willing to strike a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Riding an impressive first half of the season, the Tigers are proving they’re not just a pesky team, but a legitimate contender in the American League. While many expected them to be competitive after last season’s surprising success, they’ve clearly accelerated their rebuild and arrived ahead of schedule.
As the trade deadline nears, Detroit faces a delicate balancing act. Although this may be the least talented version of the team for years to come—considering their strong farm system—the American League is wide open right now. If the Tigers are serious about chasing a title this year, the time to act is now.
While the bullpen was always expected to be a target area for upgrades, recent injuries and inconsistent starting pitching have made it clear that they may need another reliable arm in the rotation, especially with Alex Cobb’s return in question.
That’s why a one-stop solution could make perfect sense—and the Cardinals might be the ideal trade partner. St. Louis held onto both starter Erick Fedde and All-Star closer Ryan Helsley through the offseason with the expectation of dealing them at the deadline.
Despite low expectations, the Cardinals have stayed near the playoff mix. But unless they shift course quickly, their inaction suggests they may indeed become sellers.
Fedde, sporting a 4.11 ERA across 16 starts, will be a free agent after this season. Helsley, with 16 saves and a 3.41 ERA in 29 games, is also nearing free agency. Though not as dominant as in 2023, he’s still a steady presence out of the bullpen.
Both pitchers would fill crucial needs for Detroit, and acquiring them likely wouldn’t require giving up any of the Tigers’ top-tier prospects. That’s a scenario the Cardinals would likely entertain.
If the asking price is reasonable, expect the Tigers to be aggressive in pursuing a deal with St. Louis as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.
