1 trade candidate from each MLB team the Detroit Tigers should target

Detroit Tigers trade ideas: American League Central

Chicago White Sox

Jake Burger

There’s not much of a chance any of these division rival teams will trade with the Tigers at the current moment. Willi Castro did come from the Guardians in 2018, but it’s not likely to happen again with the Tigers now competitive again.

For the sake of the argument though, Burger is an interesting candidate. Burger’s trajectory to the White Sox has been stunted by serious injuries, and he’s currently blocked at third base by Yoan Moncada. While Moncada could play multiple positions, Burger seems locked in as a third baseman.

So why the Tigers? With Candelario in place? Well eventually the Tigers will need a full-time designated hitter, and why not have Burger have a crack at it? The 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft will shine once he gets everyday reps.

Cleveland Guardians

Logan Allen

A once highly touted prospect in the Padres system, Allen went to Cleveland in 2019 as part of a blockbuster three-team trade.

Allen struggled in 2021, but there’s a lot to love in his pedigree.

With the newly named Guardians not in any rush to compete, a talented left-handed hurler is going to be someone they hold onto.

Kansas City Royals

Ryan O’Hearn

I was so close to including O’Hearn in my look at whether or not the Tigers should bring in a first baseman until Spencer Torkelson is ready. I’ll include him here as I think he could be a great bench player and spot starter at first base until the aforementioned top Tigers prospect is ready to claim the position for years to come.

The power-hitting lefty O’Hearn’s plenty affordable in his first arbitration-eligible year estimated to earn about $1.25 million.

If he can truly figure it out at the big league level he’s got 20-30 homer potential.

Minnesota Twins

Taylor Rogers

I know what you’re thinking, there’s NO WAY the Tigers are ever able to spring a deal for one of the Twins’ top relievers.

Rogers will be a free agent after this season and if the Twins fall out of contention early or decide preseason they can maximize their value for the lefty closer/reliever they may decide to do so regardless of who the partner is.

Rogers was a huge trade target towards the trade deadline in 2021, the same season as his first all-star appearance, but a finger injury prevented that from happening. When healthy a bullpen piece like Rogers is incredible to have.

One thing is for sure, Twins fans don’t want to lose him just yet.