MLB trade deadline 2024: Which Tigers are most likely to be moved?
DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have 12 games remaining before the July 30 trade deadline.
Could they go 12-0; surge to a 59-50 record; sit on the cusp of the last Wild Card spot; and totally upend expectations for this year’s deadline?
Sure, anything’s possible.
But it’s more likely that the Tigers are sellers for the eighth consecutive summer.
In theory, anyone can be moved between now and 6 p.m. on July 30, but the Tigers are most interested in dealing players on expiring contracts.
They’re at the top of our list of potential trade candidates:
TRUE RENTALS
These are players who will automatically be free agents at the end of the season.
At the top of the list is right-hander Jack Flaherty. It’s no exaggeration to say that he’s been one of the best starting pitchers in baseball this year. But his wonky back could raise some red flags.
Flaherty probably only has two starts remaining before the deadline. The Tigers will be walking a tightrope: They must show the league that he’s healthy and effective without pushing him so hard that a last-minute back flareup torpedoes their trade plans.
The other players on expiring contracts are not likely to fetch impressive returns.
The best of the bunch is probably catcher Carson Kelly, although the universe of playoff-bound seeking to install a new catcher in August is usually pretty small. For that reason, there’s no guarantee he’ll be traded.
After a hot start, first baseman/outfielder Mark Canha has struggled offensively. He’s also dealt with some hip and wrist issues. But he has a lengthy track record of success and a contending team seeking a right-handed bench or platoon bat could do a lot worse. The fact that he’s making $11.5 million this year (about $4 million of which would be the responsibility of his new team) could dampen his market.
Third baseman Gio Urshela is similar to Canha in that he’s a proven veteran who hasn’t shown a lot of offensive pop in 2024. But he’s on a cheap contract and wouldn’t cost much.
RENTALS WITH AN OPTION
Two relievers — left-hander Andrew Chafin and right-hander Shelby Miller — have team options for 2025.
