Detroit Tigers: 4 Players who could still be traded

Mike Fiers

Mike Fiers has been one of Detroit’s best starting pitchers this season, and it was a bit of a surprise to see him still with the Tigers after the deadline. However, his $6 million dollar salary and surprisingly excellent performance this season have made him a prime August trade candidate. Presently, Fiers is still owed about $1.96 of the $6 million on his contract for this season.

Fiers currently boasts a 3.48 ERA in 21 starts. He has a 6.58 K/9 and a career-low 1.97 BB/9. Any playoff bound team that needs a boost to the back of their rotation (and that’s pretty much all of them) could really use a guy like Fiers.

If the Tigers place him on waivers, it’s possible a team will try to claim him. If they do, the Tigers could let Fiers go and rid themselves of the $2 million left on his deal. More than likely, teams will let him pass which will allow the Tigers a chance to shop him around again.

Oakland was the team showing the most interest in Fiers before the non-waiver deadline, and they quite likely going to have continued interest in him now that Daniel Gossett is having Tommy John surgery. Allegedly, the Tigers and A’s had a trade in the works but the two sides balked when a disagreement about how much money each team should pay came up.

The waiver system would alleviate that, and could allow these two teams to resume talks.

Other interested teams

However, there are a few other teams that will likely have an interest in Fiers now that the trade market is smaller. The Milwaukee Brewers were unable to acquire a starting pitcher before the trade deadline. They are counting on right-hander Jimmy Nelson to return, but could certainly reunite with Fiers to help shore up their depleted rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a surprising move by flipping Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow in exchange for Chris Archer. They could use some stability on the back-end however, and Fiers could be a nice fit. Finally, the Washington Nationals have not made any indication whether they plan to contend or sell, but if they want to try to make a push they could also use some back of the rotation stability.

With each team, here are a handful of prospects that the Tigers could theoretically target in an August trade for Fiers:

Oakland: SS Kevin Merrell, 2B Marcos Brito, OF Greg Deichmann

Milwaukee: SS Jean Carmona, 1B Chad McClanahan, C Peyton Henry

Pittsburgh: OF Lolo Sanchez, OF Calvin Mitchell, 1B Mason Martin

Washington: LHP Nick Raquet, INF Jose Sanchez, LHP Tim Cate