Detroit Tigers: 5 teams that could be trade partners at the deadline

The Detroit Tigers have quite a few potential trade partners at this year's trade deadline

The Detroit Tigers are expected to sell at the MLB trade deadline. They don't have a ton of pieces to sell off, but there will certainly be teams that will give Scott Harris a call by the Aug. 1 deadline.

There are many teams in contention this year that have deep farm systems that Harris would surely love to pilfer from. The Tigers could use some young, controllable bats, and there are teams that could be willing to part with one or two to get some pitching in return.

This is one of the most exciting times of the year in the baseball world. The hot stove is starting to heat up, and rumors are starting to swirl. With that being said, here are five teams that could be trade partners for the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

There will be a couple of repeats from teams that were featured in the Eduardo Rodriguez trade proposals article we ran a couple of days go, but it's warranted. These teams both need starting pitching, and they both have stacked farm systems.

The Dodgers make sense for a multitude of reasons, in addition to what we just mentioned. They've had several pitchers get hurt this season. They're already rumored to be interested in White Sox SP Lucas Giolito according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

There's no reason why they wouldn't be in on E-rod as well. He's a lefty who's likely to be a rental with the opt-out in his contract at the end of this season. They have many young, controllable bats they could part with. They even have some starting pitching prospects that are interesting.

It would interesting to see what a trade between Scott Harris and Dodgers' president Andrew Friedman would look like. We could find out in the next couple of weeks.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

Staying in the NL West, the D'backs appear to be ahead of schedule. Many people though they could be a sleeper team this season. but I don't think anybody had them leading the NL West at any point this year. They recently lost the lead thanks to little skid, but they could easily get it back with some at the trade deadline.

That's where the Tigers come in. Arizona's starting rotation hasn't been very good outside of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, who is currently on the 15-day IL. Their starters have a 4.58 ERA on the year, good for 21st in baseball. They could use some help.

Luckily for the Tigers, they also have a great farm system. Top prospects Jordan Lawlar and Druw Jones are likely out of reach, but someone like MLB Pipeline No. 8 prospect Blake Alexander, who's hitting .337 with a .995 OPS in Triple-A this season, could be a nice piece to get in return.

Arizona needs starting pitching help, and the Tigers need young, impact bats. This seems like a good fit.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

Sticking in the AL East, the Jays are in a strange position. They have a roster that is good enough to win a World Series, but they've underachieved in each of the last two seasons. Now, the Rays and Orioles have leapfrogged them in the standings. The only real option for them is to go all-in.

This past offseason, they addressed their two major weaknesses from last year in their bullpen and team defense, and they've been rewarded for their efforts in both areas. Their offense has been inconsistent, but the Tigers don't really have any bats they could offer them. The backend of their rotation has been an issue, though. Getting someone like E-rod could put their rotation over the top.

Shortstop prospect Orelvis Martinez is someone we've had our eyes on for a while now. He's always had power, but didn't walk at all and struck out a bunch. This season, the walks are up and the strikeouts are down, and he's still hitting for power. With the Jays having Bo Bichette at shortstop, Martinez could be expendable.

A one-for-one swap of E-rod for Martinez could get a deal done here. Harris could try to get a lower-level prospect as well, but getting a high-upside prospect like Martinez could be enough.

5. Cincinnati Reds

Another team that is ahead of schedule, the Reds find themelves in first place in a weak NL Central as of this writing. It sounds like they are going to take advantage of this opportunity and buy at the trade deadline.

Morosi reports that the Reds have been calling around looking for starting pitching help. As we've established, the Tigers have starting pitching to give. The Reds have the third-worst starter ERA in the majors, so they would be wise to look for upgrades if they truly want to compete this season.

The Reds have basicially called up all their good prospects this season, which has led to their sudden surge. Obviously Elly De La Cruz gets all the press, and for good reason, but Matt McClain, Spencer Steer, and Andrew Abbott have also been outstanding rookies for the Reds this season, and they have even more talent on the way.

This could be a dream pairing for the Tigers. Like the Orioles, the Reds have a stacked farm system. We would love to see them land someone like Noelvi Marte or Christian Encarnacion-Strand — both top 100 prospects — but that doesn't seen likely, though Encarnacion-Strand isn't completely out of the conversation.

What would be interesting is to see if the Reds would be willing to give up big league talent such as Jonathan India. India was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2021, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since. He does walk a good amount and doesn't chase. He could also potenially solve the Tigers' third base problem. I'm very curious to see if Cincy would part with him.

The Reds could be the perfect trade partner for the Tigers. They need starters, and have the ammo to make a deal.