Detroit Tigers Rumors: Big Astros trade candidates should force front office to act

The Detroit Tigers may have been priced out of the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, but there may be an opportunity for them to land another player – or two – from the Houston Astros team they beat in the 2024 American League Wild Card series.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said at this week's Winter Meetings that he is willing to listen to trade offers on "anybody" from Houston's roster. Since Brown has emphatically stressed his desire to re-sign Bregman this winter, the prevailing thought is that he would be open to dealing one of outfielder Kyle Tucker or starting pitcher Framber Valdez. Both are set to make more than $15 million during their final season of arbitration eligibility, and it's unlikely that the Astros would be able to afford to keep them both, especially if Bregman comes back.

Even if the Astros aren't actively shopping Tucker or Valdez, Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris should still be making calls to Brown on both of them. Detroit needs offensive power and starting pitching, and a deal with the Astros for one of these players could make a lot of sense.

Tigers should explore trade opportunities with Astros for Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez

Tucker is a three-time All-Star who has racked up 20.9 fWAR since becoming a full-time MLB player in 2020. For context, Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts are the only outfielders who have compiled more. Though he missed nearly three months last season with a fractured right shin, Tucker still managed to hit 23 home runs over just 78 games, and the Tigers could really use some pop like that in their lineup.

Valdez is coming off a 2024 season that saw him post a 2.91 ERA through 176 2/3 innings. He has topped 175 innings in each of the last three seasons, and he hasn’t allowed an ERA above 3.45 in any of them. He would make for a strong steadying force in the Tigers' rotation alongside reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Both players would demand strong returns, as they are among the best in baseball at their respective positions, but the value they could add to the Tigers' roster could be worth the potential price – especially given the skyrocketing prices in free agency.

Again, if Brown is listening on these players, then Harris should be talking. Either of these guys would be a major upgrade to Detroit's roster next season.

More Tigers content from Motor City Bengals