These 4 Detroit Tigers Should Be Traded — or Worse — After a Season-Shaking Losing Streak
The Detroit Tigers must act decisively at the trade deadline — and after their recent collapse, the urgency is at an all-time high.
The Detroit Tigers are spiraling. After being swept by the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series, they’ve now lost nine of their last ten games. Although they still hold the largest division lead in baseball (8.5 games), their overall performance has slumped badly — they’ve fallen to the third-best record in the American League and are faltering across the board.
Detroit was always expected to be a buyer at the deadline, but their recent skid makes it clear: they must be more aggressive than originally planned. The idea that this team is the AL’s best World Series bet no longer holds up — unless they have a blockbuster deadline.
Assuming president Scott Harris goes big, here are four players who need to be moved — or possibly cut — before July 31.
4. RP Carlos Hernandez
The Tigers claimed Carlos Hernandez off waivers in June, and he’s shown exactly why the Phillies let him go. Despite tossing a scoreless inning in Wednesday’s loss, he entered the game with a brutal 12 earned runs allowed in just 9.2 innings.
Hernandez has the velocity and strikeout ability, but his control issues and a 5.18 career ERA over 185 outings paint a clear picture — he hasn’t figured it out at the big league level.
With no minor league options left and virtually no trade value, Hernandez should be designated for assignment immediately. He doesn’t belong in the bullpen of a team with championship ambitions.
3. INF Trey Sweeney
Sweeney started the season at shortstop but eventually lost the role to Javier Báez — and not just because of Báez’s improved play. Sweeney’s offensive struggles have been glaring: a .209 average with a weak .276 OBP and just five home runs over 84 games.
Once a promising prospect and a key piece in the Jack Flaherty trade, Sweeney now looks more like a bench option — at best. If the Tigers bring in a new bat, he’ll likely be sent to the Minors. Alternatively, Detroit may look to trade him before his value drops further. Either way, Sweeney probably won’t be on the 26-man roster in August.
2. 3B Jace Jung
Jace Jung was expected to have a major role this year, but he’s struggled both in the Majors and Triple-A. After just five hits in 45 at-bats, he was demoted, and now All-Star Zach McKinstry has taken over at third base.
Once among Detroit’s top prospects, Jung now finds himself buried, contributing little to a team that needs win-now production. Trading him could net a piece to help in the playoff push — a tough call, but one that makes sense given their competitive window.
1. SP Troy Melton
Melton’s MLB debut was supposed to be a bright spot — instead, it was a wake-up call. He gave up a leadoff homer and a grand slam, surrendering six runs over five innings to one of MLB’s weakest offenses.
The 23-year-old has potential and may be part of Detroit’s future rotation
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