​The Tigers boast a slate of compelling names who could draw attention at the MLB trade deadline, with a real potential for movement as Detroit considers selling. While the spotlight will almost certainly fall on Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize, there are other intriguing trade chips on the roster this summer. Gleyber Torres stands out as one such option, but there may be additional Tigers players who could be dealt if the club pivots toward selling rather than buying.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has highlighted 4.48 ERA right-handed starter Jack Flaherty as a smart buy-low trade target for teams this season. “Jack Flaherty’s second stint with the Tigers has been underwhelming,” Kelly notes, suggesting that if a team acquires Flaherty, he might struggle as he did after his 2023 Orioles trade, when he went 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA over 34.2 innings. On the other hand, Flaherty could channel the form he showed for the Dodgers in 2024, going 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA across 10 starts, helping a team push toward a World Series — a profile that makes him worth taking a chance on as a cost-controlled rental for a run at the playoffs. The 30-year-old is an appealing risk for clubs seeking a cheaper rotation option at the deadline.
With teams often prioritizing Skubal and Mize in trade discussions, Flaherty could present a viable “buy-low” option for franchises looking to add a lower-cost veteran starter as the deadline approaches. Kelly’s argument hinges on the possibility that some clubs might hesitate to acquire Flaherty due to concerns about a repeat of his 2023 form after a midseason move. Yet if he returns to the level he showed in 2024 after his Dodgers trade, Flaherty could become a legitimately strong option in a postseason push.
Even if the Tigers choose not to sell, their recent hot stretch in a relatively weak American League landscape gives them a legitimate shot at postseason contention, which could reduce the likelihood of a deal. However, if Detroit does move toward a sale, Flaherty could emerge as a quietly strong pickup for a club willing to gamble on a 30-year-old veteran starter with a history of inconsistency but a ceiling that remains high. Any return for Flaherty would be a win for Detroit, even if the price comes in the form of a smaller package.
At the same time, other trade notions circulate: a Cubs-targeted package could send Seiya Suzuki to the Mariners in exchange for Luis Castillo, while a Yankees scenario might bring Carlos Lagrange to the Athletics in return for utilityman Zack Gelof. For readers following the latest with MLB trades, recent discussions have also covered what happened to Shohei Ohtani, speculation about why the Dodgers star won’t pitch tonight or participate in the All-Star Game, and what the Blue Jays received for Tommy Nance. In related news, the Twins reportedly sent a catcher prospect with an .855 OPS in a trade, and the Cardinals reportedly signed JJ Wetherholt to an eight-year, $112.5 million extension.
Note: This article includes a preferred source reference to The Sporting News. Click here to add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source. The Detroit Tigers’ trade dynamics this season could hinge on whether they stay buyers or pivot to selling, and Flaherty’s value as a buy-low candidate makes him a notable name to watch as the deadline nears. The ongoing debate centers on balancing immediate need with long-term asset management, and Detroit’s move could hinge on how the market develops around pitchers with proven still-high ceilings but uneven recent results. The takeaway is clear: Flaherty is a name that could fit into a number of teams’ playoff plans if the price is right, and the Tigers could benefit from a strategic return whether they choose to sell or stand pat.