Tigers trade recently DFA’d outfielder from prospect move that backfired to Phillies

Despite their slump after the All-Star break and leading up to the trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers have a firm hold on first place in the American League Central, and they could afford to shed some outfield depth.

The Tigers on July 23 designated outfielder Brewer Hicklen for assignment to give his roster spot to pitching prospect Troy Melton. Before Hicklen cleared waivers, Detroit traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations, first reported by MLB insider Bob Nightengale. The Phillies optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the wake of the trade.

While the Tigers didn't get any players to help in their quest for a deep playoff run this season, the trade is still a great outcome. Detroit did not expect to get a return for Hicklen after designating him for assignment, and a cash return is better than nothing.

On the other hand, Melton's major league debut against the lowly Pirates offense didn't go as planned. He allowed six earned runs, including two homers, in five innings of work. He still managed to collect seven strikeouts, though, and 60 of his 90 pitches went for strikes. Hicklen is a worthy roster sacrifice to accommodate a top prospect, regardless of the outcome of his start — the outfielder played just one game in the big leagues this season, although he went 2-for-3 at the plate.

Tigers trade recently-DFA'd outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Phillies for cash considerations

Hicklen will join Philadelphia as a depth option, as its outfield offense leaves something to be desired. Former division rival Max Kepler hasn't delivered for the Phillies as they'd hoped, and he's batting just .201/.300/.362 in 92 games this year. Nick Castellanos is also day-to-day after he jammed his knee into the outfield wall during Philadelphia's current series against the Yankees.

The trade from the Tigers begins Hicklen's second stint in the Phillies organization, where his minimal big league experience from this season will likely keep him in Triple-A. Hicklen is batting .222/.331/.385 between High-A and Triple-A over 63 games this year. He could see playing time in the major leagues as a pinch-running specialist, as he's stolen 18 bags in the minors so far this season.

The trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Tigers need some reinforcements to maintain their comfortable position in the American League. The cash from the Hicklen deal is nice, but hopefully, some new bullpen arms and another righty bat will come their way.