3 Tigers who survived the trade deadline, but won’t make it through the offseason

The 2026 season has been somewhat of a nightmare for the Detroit Tigers. Entering the season as clear favorites to win the American League Central and push for their first World Series since 1984, injuries plagued the team and a horrendous month of May dropped them from first to last in the division.

Scott Harris decided to sell at the deadline and dropped two of the rotation’s best pitchers, including arguably the best pitcher in baseball.

Tarik Skubal was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a few prospects and Casey Mize was dealt to the San Diego Padres for a couple more minor leaguers. The moves seemed questionable at the time, but it’s clear that Harris built up the farm system for the future.

The future could come as soon as next season which means that some of the survivors from this year’s trade deadline might not make it through the offseason with Detroit.

While these aren’t guys who will necessarily be traded in the offseason, some of their contracts may be up and it’s unlikely that Detroit negotiates new deals considering the young talent that could replace them for cheaper.

These three Tigers likely won’t make it through the offseason with Detroit.

Kenley Jansen will be the first out the door in the offseason

Look, Kenley Jansen made sense. on paper, as much-needed bullpen help for the Tigers. The 38-year-old closer was just 24 saves away from 500 on his career and he was fresh off a really good season with the Angels where he finished with a 2.59 ERA and 29 saves. Joining an even better team in 2026 felt like a win-win for Jansen, but it’s been anything but that.

In 38 games, Jansen has a 4.19 ERA and the second-highest WHIP of his career. Control is already on its way out the door, too, as he’s posted his highest walk rate as an MLB closer.

Jansen’s one-year, $11 million deal with a second-year club option in 2027 felt like a decent move considering the Tigers needed a closer, but not one that blows 25% of his save opportunities. The Tigers likely move on from this and decline the option for 2027. It just didn’t work out.

Gleyber Torres may be out of the Tigers' price range

There are still a ton of Gleyber Torres believers out there, and for good reason. The veteran second baseman has proven himself throughout his career and he could be the pop that the Tigers need at second base for the forseeable future.

Unfortunately, not for the price tag that he’s asking for.

Torres is the fourth highest-paid second baseman in baseball, making a little over $22 million this season, but is he really performing like a top-five player at his position? Short answer: no. Yes, he’s dealt with injuries and he’s already missed over 50 games this season, but he was already on the trade block at the deadline and it just doesn’t seem likely that Detroit pays him what he thinks he’s worth in the offseason at the age of 30.

Harris and Co. could get creative to save a buck (shocker, really) and move McGonigle over to second base and call up the piping-hot Bryce Rainer to be the shortstop of the future. Max Anderson could even get the call-up to play second base. Those are the perks of having a good farm system.

Kerry Carpenter's days as a clutch platoon bat may be over

This is another one that won’t make a ton of fans too happy, but the writing feels like it’s on the wall.

Kerry Carpenter has been a fan favorite for his clutch home runs and overall positive attitude since his career started with the Tigers back in 2022. Since then, unfortunately, getting him to stay healthy has been next to impossible. He’s had zero full seasons as a major leaguer, with his most games played being 130 a season ago and then 118 two years before that. Other than that, he’s always dealing with some sort of injury.

When he’s healthy, Carpenter can be a 30-home run outfielder or designated hitter, but he’s consistently on the mend which doesn’t do either side any good.

There’s a chance that the Tigers could re-sign him once again through arbitration and he’d be a nice bat to keep around, but with the young outfielders coming through the system, Harris may feel like Carpenter isn’t worth the constant trips to the injured list.

Zyhir Hope and Max Clark are the future of the outfield next to Riley Greene.

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