Tigers Rumors: Detroit targeting high-priced Pirates pitcher in trade deadline swing

The Detroit Tigers got a head start on the trade deadline action Monday when they added Chris Paddack to their rotation, but they have yet to make any moves that will really move the needle in their postseason push.

One such move for the Tigers would be making a major upgrade to their bullpen, and a Tuesday report from Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed that Detroit had recently joined an already lengthy list of suitors for Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar.

The Pirates are reportedly "looking to sell high" on Bednar as they field inquiries from multiple playoff contenders, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and others, and it appears that the Tigers have thrown their hat into the ring as well. But with two All-Star appearances and an additional year of team control remaining, Bednar is going to command a hefty asking price in what is very much a seller's market for relievers, so the Tigers may have to be willing to part with quite a bit if they are serious about acquiring him.

Tigers Rumors: Detroit targeting high-priced Pirates pitcher David Bednar in trade deadline swing

The Tigers have the ammunition – and the motivation – to get a deal done for Bednar, should they choose to pursue him aggressively. The Pirates desperately need offense, and the Tigers have multiple well-regarded position player prospects in the upper levels of their minor league system – not to mention young players like Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney, who already have Major League experience.

Additionally, adding Bednar to their bullpen could allow the Tigers to maximize Tarik Skubal's final season of team control, as both are set to hit free agency in 2027. Based on how contract negotiations have gone so far, the Tigers would be wise to get the most out of whatever time with Skubal they may have left.

Bednar's fit with the Tigers is obvious, and their deep group of positional talent makes them an intriguing trade partner for the Pirates. Bednar would make the Tigers' bullpen far more formidable in October, but it's now on the Tigers to determine how much they are willing to sacrifice in order to acquire him.

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