The Detroit Tigers are playing like the best team in baseball, and they also happen to hold MLB’s best record, sitting at 58-34, comfortably 14 games ahead in the American League Central. They are a shoo-in for playing in October, but likely have higher aspirations to make noise in the playoffs.
Detroit has the best starter in baseball in the form of Tarik Skubal, but aside from Skubal, Jack Flaherty has been hit or miss in the second rotation spot, and the starting rotation thins out from there.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are likely to be sellers, and while they may not trade electric starter Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller has been in conversation with a few different teams in terms of being traded. Originally, Keller was initially linked to the Chicago Cubs, but that has grown seemingly unlikely because Pittsburgh might not want to help out a division rival in the trade market.
Keller Heads to Detroit in Potential Trade
In this blockbuster trade idea, the Pittsburgh Pirates send the former All-Star starter Keller to the Detroit Tigers, a deal that would solidify Detroit’s rotation with four quality starters. Aside from Skenes, Keller is one of MLB’s unluckiest pitchers in terms of win-loss record. He is 3-10, but holds a 3.64 ERA in 106.1 innings, with over 80 strikeouts, furthering the point that a win-loss record for pitchers can be irrelevant.
Keller was an All-Star in 2023 after having a stellar first half of the season. Once a top prospect, Keller has spent all seven years of his MLB career with the Pirates. The case for Keller to be dealt this deadline is also because he is under a controllable contract. He is signed through 2028, but owed just $15 million/year until then. He has also proved to be really consistent year in and year out. He’s already made 18 starts this season and is likely on his way to another 30+ start season.
Keller Would Immediately Help the Tigers’ Rotation
As already outlined, the Detroit Tigers’ rotation lacks depth. Detroit did just get Casey Mize back from injury, which should help. However, if the team wants to make a deep postseason run, they need starters who can give some length whenever Skubal is not pitching. Flaherty has an ERA north of 4.50. He still has his strikeout stuff with 109 on the season, but when he isn’t striking batters out, they are likely putting the ball hard in play. Flaherty was essential in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ run to the World Series a year ago, and Detroit is counting on him to be a postseason hero once again.
The Tigers are expected to be active at this year’s trade deadline, and their two biggest needs are either a depth starter like Keller could provide, or a quality third baseman who can give some offensive production. Detroit is a team to keep an eye on because all signs point to them making it to the American League Championship series, which would be one round further than where their seasons ended last year.
Tigers-Pirates Trade Idea Lands All-Star Ace in Detroit