Detroit Tigers: Exploring Mike Fiers Trade Scenarios

The Detroit Tigers are going to be seller’s at the end of the month, and veteran right-hander Mike Fiers is likely to be dealt.

Mike Fiers came to the Detroit Tigers for two reasons: to provide stability to the rotation, and be flipped at the deadline. Fiers has done his part to this point, and as we near the deadline, it is time to begin exploring the Tigers options. Fiers is just one piece the Detroit Tigers are looking to move, along with Jose Iglesias, Francisco Liriano, and Leonys Martin. Michael Fulmer and Shane Greene may be moved as well, but both seem unlikely at this juncture.

Fiers has rebounded from a rough 2017 with Houston to be a consistent performer in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation. His peripherals suggest the end result may be better than anticipated, as he sports a 4.67 FIP to go with his 3.70 ERA. With an ERA+ of 119, Fiers has pitched above average in 2018, and could be a welcome addition to a contender needing to bolster the back-end of a rotation.

Fiers isn’t the ace pitcher that some teams may be looking for, and as such, the market for Fiers may be slow to develop until some other pieces fall into place. Once the Mets decide what to do with Noah Syndergaard or Jacob deGrom, or J.A. Happ moves on from the Blue Jays, teams could be sent looking for a backup plan, which is where Fiers could factor in. Here are those teams that fit as a trade partner, and what the return could be: