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

Detroit Tigers trade ideas: National League Central

Chicago Cubs

Ian Happ

Happ has had a long road in the big leagues so far, some successes and some failures. I would love to add him to that centerfielder mix and have that lefty power bat fill in some holes throughout the lineup.

The podcast partner of the Tigers’ own Zack Short hit 25 homers last year and is another guy who can play almost anywhere you ask him to.

Happ would be an expensive addition at around $8 million when you factor in his low batting average.

If the Cubs decide to cut bait, the Tigers could try and get the former first-rounder at a good price point. If not, a trade may be relatively cheap to pull him and that salary from the Cubs.

Cincinnati Reds

Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo has been on the precipice of greatness for a few years now, and to be honest, he’s there. He’s great. Great players have blips. 75 walks last year was definitely a blip for the man who will be 29 years old in 2022.

Castillo has also been pitching in Great American Ballpark, which is a hitter’s paradise. Put the right-hander in Comerica Park and let him ease into his comfort zone again.

Even with 75 walks and a 1.36 WHIP, Castillo managed to keep his ERA under 4, and struck out 192 hitters in 187.2 innings pitched. Bringing the right-hander to Detroit would also now reunite him with his old battery mate Barnhart.

A workhorse with magnificent “stuff”, Castillo will be a free agent after 2023. It would take a haul to get it done, but like someone who uses L’Oreal, he’s worth it.

Milwaukee Brewers

Devin Williams

Josh Hader’s name has been in the rumor mill for a while even as the Brewers continue to succeed. If Hader signs a long-term extension with the Brewers that opens up Williams to be a trade candidate himself.

It would take quite a package to pull the super affordable Williams from Milwaukee. Williams still has four years of control, three of which will be through arbitration.

Williams had a down year in 2021 after winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2020, but he’s still got an electric arm and would be a great addition to Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter’s relief corps.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Bryan Reynolds

Reynolds is the bell of the Winter Meetings ball. The Buccos held onto the outfielder rather than send him to another team as they did with Adam Frazier in 2021. An extension is always possible in the Steel City, but knowing the Pirates’ history one would make an educated guess to predict his departure.

Numerous teams have been linked to Reynolds, so why not add the Tigers to the mix? He could take over the starting center field job on day one, or a corner spot if desired.

Reynolds will require a big package of prospects or young major league-ready talent. Reynolds is controllable through the next four seasons.

St. Louis Cardinals

Tommy Edman

The Cardinals love Edman and for good reason. Edman’s super durable and versatile. How durable? Edman led the National League in at-bats in 2021 with 641!

Edman even took home the 2021 National League Gold Glove at second base.

Another player who would probably require a top fifteen prospect to get a deal done, if not more, Edman would be a bat who could lead off for a Tigers team that can have Robbie Grossman slide down in the order.

Another four years of control through his age 30 season are what the team would also be acquired in a deal for Edman.