Emmanuel Clase for Max Clark?
There’s no chance.
Eugenio Suárez for anyone. ?
Do not count on it.
The Detroit Tigers are unlikely to make a major move at the 2025 trade deadline, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. Instead, they’re expected to take a measured approach, focusing on acquiring mid-level bullpen help — the most realistic upgrade on the table.
They don’t plan to part with any of their five top-100 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline rankings, as the organization remains committed to building a sustainable contender. Despite recent struggles, the Tigers still trust the unpredictable nature of their matchup-based offense and intend to lean on in-house pitching depth to recapture the postseason momentum they’ve shown in stretches.
While Detroit will be buyers, president of baseball operations Scott Harris isn’t expected to operate like former GM Dave Dombrowski — just as team owner Christopher Ilitch has taken a more cautious financial path than his late father, Mike Ilitch.
This isn’t a win-now, all-in sprint toward a World Series title. And that’s intentional.
“We’re going to try to be pragmatic,” Harris said in a June 11 interview with WXYT-FM (97.1). “We’ll evaluate both sides of every potential deal and pursue the ones we believe can help us both now and long-term.”
As of the final week before the deadline, the Tigers rank seventh in team OPS (.736), sixth in rotation ERA (3.41), and 21st in bullpen ERA (4.13). However, the team has dropped 10 of its last 11 games.
Still, that slump isn’t expected to prompt a dramatic shift in trade deadline plans. Despite ongoing issues in the bullpen and some inconsistency on offense, the Tigers believe their true identity is closer to the club that went 90-47 from Aug. 11, 2024, through July 8, 2025 — a 106-win pace — than the one currently mired in a 1-10 skid.
The offense
The Tigers believe there’s enough potential within their current roster to stay the course.
They’re optimistic that Zach McKinstry can maintain his breakout form, and even if someone like Javier Báez cools off, they’re confident Parker Meadows or Matt Vierling can step up offensively. Outfielder Kerry Carpenter is also on track to return soon from a hamstring injury, providing another boost. If further reinforcement is needed, infield prospect Hao-Yu Lee remains a candidate for a late-season call-up from Triple-A Toledo as a right-handed bat with upside.
While the Tigers haven’t ruled out the idea of trading for Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez — a former Tiger who’s batting .252 with 36 home runs and an MLB-leading 86 RBIs in 101 games — there’s no strong indication they’re pursuing him with urgency. The front office is mindful of preserving playing time for McKinstry, Báez, and rookie Colt Keith, all of whom would likely be pushed aside if Suárez were added.
Detroit has also ruled out pursuing other third-base options like Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pirates and Ryan McMahon of the Rockies.
The Tigers are placing significant faith in José Urquidy as they prepare for a potential playoff push.
By the time October rolls around, Detroit expects to have a sizable group of starting pitchers at their disposal: Urquidy, Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, Casey Mize, Alex Cobb, Keider Montero, Sawyer Gipson-Long, and Troy Melton. Some of those arms will remain in the rotation, while others are likely to shift into bullpen roles for added depth.
Currently, Urquidy, Cobb, and Gipson-Long are all on the injured list. Of that trio, only Gipson-Long has pitched in the majors this season. Urquidy and Cobb have yet to appear in a game, though Urquidy is progressing in his rehab and could be back by late August after undergoing a second elbow surgery.
Urquidy, 30, hasn’t pitched in a big-league game since September 2023. He has postseason experience — including a start in Game 4 of the 2019 World Series for the Astros under then-manager (and current Tigers skipper) A.J. Hinch — and posted a 4.09 ERA across 334⅓ innings between 2021 and 2023. Detroit signed him to a one-year deal in March 2025, hoping he could be a key contributor down the stretch.
While starters like Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks) and Sandy Alcantara (Marlins) are reportedly available on the trade market, their poor performances this season — Gallen with a 5.58 ERA and Alcantara with a 6.66 — make it unlikely the Tigers will pursue them aggressively.
The bullpen
The Tigers are focusing their trade deadline efforts on strengthening the bullpen.
They’re exploring potential deals for high-leverage right-handed relievers, with David Bednar (Pirates), Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), and Raisel Iglesias (Braves) emerging as realistic targets. Baltimore’s Félix Bautista, another elite option, was recently sidelined with shoulder discomfort, likely taking him off the board. If the Tigers opt for a slightly lower-tier acquisition, Pete Fairbanks of the Rays is a sensible alternative.
At the same time, Detroit is looking internally for bullpen reinforcements, hoping to replicate the formula that worked down the stretch in 2024. Last year, pitchers like Sean Guenther, Brenan Hanifee, and Beau Brieske stepped up in key moments. In 2025, the Tigers are eager to see if arms like Drew Sommers, Alex Lange, and Tyler Mattison can follow suit. They’re also expected to shift some starters, such as Troy Melton, into relief roles come playoff time.
While the Tigers are expected to acquire at least one reliever before the deadline, they’re equally committed to developing bullpen depth from within — a strategy they hope can carry them through the final months and into a postseason run.
