5 Tigers who will be off the 40-man roster by the 2026 trade deadline

The Detroit Tigers roster should look a lot different after the MLB trade deadline. Whether the Tigers buy or sell remains to be seen, as Detroit has climbed up the AL Wild Card standings but still has a long way to go. Tarik Skubal is, unsurprisingly, at the front of everyone's mind. I am of firm belief that the Tigers shouldn't trade Skubal and (assuming they keep winning) likely won't, as the controllable pitchers they could get back in return leave a lot to be desired.

My money is on the Tigers both buying and selling at the deadline. We already discussed some players they could acquire for 2027 and beyond, which seems to be Scott Harris' prerogative. But what of players currently on the roster? Unfortunately for some — including possible trade candidates on expiring deals NOT named Skubal — this could be the end of the line.

These players won't be on the Tigers roster by the MLB trade deadline

For this exercise I chose a mix of underperforming players or those destined for the minor leagues due to roster construction, alongside well-known stars who could be moved as a result of expiring contracts. As much as I'd love to see Harris go all-in, even I don't believe in this team enough to suggest he trade top-shelf prospects for players who could really help the Tigers, like Mason Miller or even Joe Ryan.

That's not the reality we're in these days. What's best for the Tigers now and long term could be letting go of some 2026 trade assets who can be easily replaced, while also giving young players a chance to shine in a playoff push.

Brenan Hanifee

In the last two months, the Tigers bullpen has transformed from a weakness into a strength. The Tigers once had the most blown saves in all of baseball. Now, their bullpen ERA ranks in the top-10 in the majors. That won't stop the Tigers from demoting Hanifee, however, who has an 8.53 ERA in his last seven games and has only made three appearances in July. Will Vest may be out long term, but don't be surprised if Hanifee is replaced in favor of a more reliable right-handed arm.

Ben Malgeri

Malgeri is a fun story. He's also the beneficiary of a weak Tigers outfield, especially in center, due to injuries. Eventually, Javier Báez will make his return — he just started a rehab game in Lakeland — and should be shown the door rather quickly. James Outman, another name on this list, has more service time and experience. He can serve as Báez's backup until more reinforcements arrive.

James Outman

The return of Báez makes Outman, who is hitting under the Mendoza line, expendable. Whether it be in favor of Malgeri, or perhaps even Tigers top prospect Max Clark, Outman's days in Detroit are numbered. Clark is expected to make his debut sometime in 2026 and is slashing .304/.429/.587 in July with the Toledo Mud Hens.

Gleyber Torres

Torres has been the most consistent Tigers at-bat for the better part of two years. His patience hasn't worn off on his teammates, but it does make him valuable. The 29-year-old is set to hit free agency after this season and could be the best second baseman available at the trade deadline. Dealing Torres may indeed impact their playoff hopes, but it'd also provide Hao-Yu Lee more at-bats and free up room for fourth-ranked prospect Max Anderson. If Harris employs a buy and sell approach, the cost of keeping Skubal may be sending Torres elsewhere.

Kenley Jansen

With Vest on the injured list, the Tigers can't afford many more hits to the back end of their bullpen. In adding Jansen to this list, my hope is that Harris would acquire some form of bullpen help, but perhaps a less expensive back-end reliever. Jansen has a 4.05 ERA on the season and comes with a sterling reputation. He has the third-most saves of all time, and could surely be counted on by a contending team lacking in that department. In the meantime, Kyle Finnegan and Tyler Holton can hold down the fort until Vest (hopefully) returns later this season. Given the cost of top-end relief talent at the trade deadline, dealing Jansen is worth a conversation.

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