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:

The New York Yankees

In the AL East arms race, a move to acquire Mike Fiers would hardly move the needle. However, Fiers is exactly the arm the Yankees could look for if they don’t land a bigger name. He would provide a stable, calming presence to the back-end of the rotation. Sonny Gray has not performed in 2018. Masahiro Tanaka has been inconsistent and injured. Jordan Montgomery is out for the year after succumbing to Tommy John surgery. Domingo German has made 12 starts this year, but also has struggled to find consistency.

With Fiers, the Yankees could plug him into the rotation and find someone ready to pitch and try to go deep into games every five days.

The Yankees have a deep, talented farm system, but Mike Fiers isn’t likely to provide a strong return. More likely is a raw, young prospect with some upside but some risk as well. Isiah Gilliam could be an asset the Detroit Tigers look to get back. Gilliam provides some pop with the bat, and will need to consistently make contact to tap into that power potential.

An outfielder now, he lacks the defensive ability or run tool to stay there long-term and profiles more as a first baseman. Gilliam ranks just inside the Yankees’ Top 30 prospects according to MLBPipeline.

The Los Angeles Dodgers

Fiers has not been linked to any rumors involving the Dodgers specifically, but the Dodgers are always in play when pitchers are on the move. Gearing up for the stretch run, depth is a great asset. Fiers would provide the Dodgers just that.

After reportedly landing Manny Machado for a trio of prospects, the Dodgers still have some talent left in their system.

Romer Cuadrado would be a target return. Rated as the 23rd best prospect in the Dodgers’ system by MLBPipeline, Cuadrado would add a lottery ticket prospect to the Tigers’ farm. Cuadrado has a large frame built for power, but a flat swing prevents him from tapping into it. He has average speed and range in right field, where his plus arm profiles best.

Strikeouts have been a problem for Cuadrado. If he makes adjustments to his approach, he could profile as a fourth outfielder.