This is not how the Detroit Tigers envisioned their season.
The Tigers were expected to contend for a playoff berth and were the favorites to win the AL Central. Instead, injuries have decimated the roster, leaving the Tigers with a 22-37 record entering Sunday, the worst record in the American League. While the Tigers are getting players back, it may be too little too late.
The Tigers should be one of the busier teams ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Let’s look at three players who could be on the move.
Three potential trade candidates for the Tigers
Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal
Unless Skubal has a setback as he rehabs from elbow surgery, he will be the prize of the trade deadline. He appeared to be en route to a third consecutive AL Cy Young award when he landed on the injured list, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 0.946 WHIP over his 43.1 innings, striking out 45 batters with six walks. Skubal is currently expected to return by mid-June, giving him plenty of time to show that he is healthy ahead of the trade deadline.
If healthy, Skubal will likely be on the move. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports stated that the odds Skubal is traded at the deadline “are improving.” Jim Bowden of The Athletic speculated that the Dodgers, Rays and Cubs would be the favorites for Skubal should he become available. Although he would be a rental option, the Tigers could get a significant haul for Skubal if they cannot turn their season around.
Second baseman Gleyber Torres
Another rental option, Torres will not fetch nearly the same return as Skubal will. However, he could still be a useful option for a team looking for help in the middle of the infield and atop the lineup. Torres has posted a .259/.389/.328 batting line in his 144 plate appearances, hitting two homers and two doubles, but has also drawn 25 walks while striking out only 22 times. While he is currently on the IL due to a left oblique strain, he is expected to return in early June.
Some teams could use help at second. Dodgers second basemen have combined for a .613 OPS (24th in the majors) while the Phillies (.597, 25th) and Red Sox (.562, 29th) have been worse. Torres could be an underrated asset on the trade market.
Relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan
Although closer Kenley Jansen may seem to be the more obvious trade candidate, as he is on a one-year contract, he has struggled this season and is currently on the IL. Instead, Finnegan could be one of the better relievers who find themselves on the trade block.
Finnegan has had mixed results this season. His 2.03 ERA looks great, but he also has a 1.575 WHIP while issuing 19 walks with 15 strikeouts over his 26.2 innings. Finnegan, however, has a strong track record and has experience in multiple roles in the bullpen. He recorded 90 saves between 2023 and 2025. While he may not be viewed as a closer, that experience could be handy for a contending team looking to solidify its relief corps down the stretch.