Detroit Tigers: Three best possible trade partners for the Tigers

With the Detroit Tigers limping their way through yet another rebuilding year in 2019, it’s safe to say the team will once again be sellers at the trade deadline.

The MLB trade deadline isn’t for over a month, but it’s not too early to look at who the Detroit Tigers could and should be eyeing as potential trade partners. There are already a few Tigers that many fans believe GM Al Avila could flip in return for more prospects to further the rebuild, so let’s take a look at three teams that might be interested in striking a deal with Detroit.

Philadelphia Phillies

Currently sitting in the second NL Wild Card spot as well as being in a battle with the Atlanta Braves for supremacy in the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies certainly have a “postseason or bust” mentality for 2019. That mindset makes them a very intriguing potential trade partner for the Detroit Tigers.

The two biggest Tigers currently on the trading block are starter Matthew Boyd and closer Shane Greene, both of whom could serve the Phillies plenty of good during their postseason push. In fact, Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reported just last week about how Philadelphia is on the lookout to upgrade both its starting rotation and bullpen, making them ideal suitors for either Greene or Boyd or maybe even both.

If Philly is looking to add two serious arms to their roster as part of their efforts to win immediately with new superstar Bryce Harper, then striking a deal for Boyd and Greene could do both organizations well. A deal including both arms would almost certainly mean that Detroit would receive 2018 third overall pick 3B Alec Bohm in return, adding another much-needed outstanding bat to the Tigers rebuilding plans.

Atlanta Braves

Speaking of the NL East, the current division leaders Atlanta Braves could also serve as a very suitable trade partner for the Detroit Tigers. With the Braves recently signing free agent starter Dallas Keuchel, they would definitely have their eyes more set on acquiring a closer like Shane Greene in a trade. In fact, Detroit and Atlanta were even rumored last month to be exploring a deal involving Greene, but that turned out to be just rumors.

Bleacher Report did rank the Braves as having the second-best farm system in all of baseball after this month’s MLB Draft, which should make them a huge target for GM Al Avila. If the Braves really do want to add a top of the line closer in Shane Greene to help with their postseason push, then it shouldn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that Detroit could receive a star hitting prospect like Drew Waters in return.

Tampa Bay Rays

Going from the NL East to the AL East, the Tampa Bay Rays are another team in a tough division race looking to at least secure a wild card spot in the postseason. The Rays have a deep bullpen packed with some solid arms but lack an established closer, which could possibly put them in the running for Shane Greene.

Tampa Bay is also the pioneer of the “bullpen day,” using their deep bullpen to compensate for the fact they currently have only three starters listed in their rotation. Adding another starter like Matthew Boyd could do the Rays a lot of good in their efforts to make the postseason and beyond. Plus, his relatively light contract could be appealing to the team that currently has the lowest payroll in the MLB.

The Rays rank just behind the Braves on Bleacher Report’s list as having the third-best farm system in all of baseball, so Avila could have his choice of high-level prospects to choose from. Tampa is a club that prides itself on its homegrown talent, so they may not be too keen on giving up prospects. However, if they do decide to go all in for the postseason in 2019, then adding Boyd or Greene could be worth the price.

It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers will be having a fire sale come July as the trade deadline approaches. Philly, Atlanta, and Tampa all present intriguing opportunities for the Tigers to unload their trading block players and add pieces for the rebuild.