Tigers Predicted to Acquire Two-Time All-Star Infielder From Blue Jays
The Detroit Tigers have the best record in Major League Baseball and are set to be rewarded with reinforcements at the trade deadline. While the Tigers have been one of the most complete teams in the game, they could still stand an upgrade at shortstop over Trey Sweeney. MLB insider Jeff Passan sees Detroit as a potential landing spot for two-time All-Star Bo Bichette. “While conventional wisdom suggests the Tigers could use another high-octane bullpen arm to secure outs at the end of the game, renting Bichette’s services before he hits free agency would infuse the lineup with the sort of bat Trey Sweeney simply doesn’t yet wield,” wrote Passan. So far this season, Bichette is hitting .276 for the Toronto Blue Jays with seven home runs and 32 RBI. He’s posted a .749 OPS and a 109 OPS+, an indication he is performing slightly above average this season. As Passan pointed out, Bichette is set to be a free agent at the end of the season. The Blue Jays have
reportedly not discussed any sort of contract extension with him, so this may be their chance to get something for him rather than watch him walk away. The Tigers offense has been strong this year, currently fourth in the league in runs and seventh in the league in hits. Adding a player like Bichette would certainly make the lineup better. “Bichette’s gap-to-gap power would play well at Comerica Park and lengthen a lineup that has scored more runs than anticipated,” wrote Passan. “After a homerless April, Bichette whacked seven home runs in May and slugged better than .500. The Tigers don’t need much. With their prospect depth, though, they can afford a luxury item.” If Detroit lands Bichette, the Tigers could then look to extend him at just 27 years old. He has a lot of years left, and this could be the chance for Detroit to lock down its shortstop of the future. More MLB: Cubs Linked to Marlins Ace Sandy Alcantara as Trade Deadline Nears
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a few reasons to be disappointed after another blockbuster offseason.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell has barely pitched for the team due to injury. Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has struggled with his command since making his debut. And Tanner Scott, a $72 million reigning All-Star closer, has blown several save opportunities.
After serving as one of the most dependable relievers in the sport for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres in recent years, Scott joined the Dodgers as their anointed ninth-inning option. But he has a 4.55 ERA with 14 earned runs in just over 27 innings so far.
After Scott blew a 10th inning appearance against the New York Mets on Monday, manager Dave Roberts was asked if still considers Scott as a legitimate option to close games. In response, Roberts offered a clear two words: “I would.”
