3 upgrades Tigers could make via free agency, trade market after Scott Harris presser

When Scott Harris spoke to the media last week about the Detroit Tigers' future expenditures, he was vague, but he did mention that he was going to spend and use the farm system to make trades to upgrade the roster. So what names are already being suggested?

Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic suggested three in his most recent mailbag article (subscription required) in Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney and Luis Severino as well as the possibility of Alex Bregman in a Tigers uniform or any high-priced free agent being slim at best. What has been a trademark so far under Harris has been upgrading at the margins and spending on pitching, but using the farm system to funnel bats to the big leagues.

However, with their high-end prospects like Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle and Josue Briceño a year or two away before they arrive, the Tigers, as far as right-handed power and positional player options go on the upper levels, are limited. So let's look at a trade possibility that could fit with Detroit and a pair of free agents that would be ideal.

3 upgrades Tigers could make via free agency, trade market after Scott Harris presser

Moving Spencer Torkelson

As mentioned on Tuesday, there was an idea floated out there that Spencer Torkelson would be an ideal fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates. So with the suggestion of a trade idea, keep in mind that while fans may expect a haul in return for Torkelson, here is a hypothetical trade idea involving the Pirates and the Tigers.

At first glance, for those who pay attention to prospects, it looks like an underwhelming return for the former first overall pick, but looking at how the Tigers are building their team, it would make sense. Right-handed hitting Billy Cook, who the Pirates picked up from Baltimore, has power, hitting 24 home runs at Double-A in 2023, and showed the ability to get on-base, posting a 123 wRC+ for Triple-A Norfolk and a 130 mark post-trade in Indianapolis.

He also can play multiple positions — both corner spots in the infield and outfield — which is something that both Harris and AJ Hinch have valued. He is also a plus defender with good speed and isn't afraid to tinker to get better. Here's what he told David Laurila of FanGraphs on working on fixing his stride to generate more power.

"No. I’ve tweaked a lot. It’s been about finding what works for me consistently. Sometimes a swing works for a week and then I get exposed — maybe it’s to low-and-way breaking balls — so I have to make another change. Here in Arizona, I’ve tried a couple of things. I’m ending with a little wider stance [and] no stride to keep it simple. I’m also starting early to help me see the ball better. I’ll be rolling with that into next year, and from there see what minor tweaks I’ll have to make.”

The Pirates have a talented system when it comes to pitching, and the way the Tigers have been able to develop pitching there is one arm who would be an ideal fit in left-hander Dominic Perachi. Perachi throws strikes with a fastball that tops out at 93 with a slider and a curve.

Another lefty to consider with the better strikeout numbers is LHP Hunter Barco, the Pirates second-round draft pick in 2022. Either way, Pittsburgh has a deep system when it comes to pitching, so giving up either Perachi, Barco and a low-level bullpen arm that the Tigers have already scouted, could make the most sense. First base prospect Josue Briceño, who just turned 20, could be a few years away from making an impact in Detroit, and Cook could be a good placeholder or just a solid regular.

Wilmer Flores

While injuries have hampered Flores, Harris has familiarity with him in his day with the Giants, and he can play all over the diamond and get on base. There is a team option for $8.5 million on Flores, however, so he could land back with San Francisco. Nonetheless, it's worth monitorying.

Nick Pivetta

According to Spotrac, his value is four years and $60 million, and while a four-year deal doesn't line up with how the Tigers normally do business of late, his K rate of 28.9% would be an ideal fit to pair up with Tarik Skubal. Harris knows he can sell on making pitchers better and Pivetta, who was inconsistent at times for Boston, would give the Tigers someone who can give them innings, something their starters could not do outside of Skubal in 2024.

Shane Bieber

The Tigers added velocity to Jack Flaherty's game and the results netted prospects for Detroit at the trade deadline. Coming off Tommy John surgery, Bieber working with Chris Fetter, Robin Lund and Juan Nieves could turn him back into Cy Young form yet again, and the cost will be a bit lower because of his injury.