3 team needs for the Tigers leading up to the trade deadline
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After three straight trips to the ALCS, it's title or bust for the Detroit Tigers. And with a $164-million payroll anchored by an aging core, this is the squad that's going to have to get it done.
General manager Dave Dombrowski stunned the baseball world this past winter by swapping Prince Fielder for Ian Kinsler. The move paid dividends for the first-place Tigers, with Kinsler offering MVP-type production up the middle and Fielder out for the season with a herniated disk.
Don't expect Dombrowski to pull the trigger on another blockbuster, but look for him to plug holes at the back end of the bullpen and seek reinforcements for some of his veterans.
1. Closer
Joe Nathan's job is in jeopardy after posting a 5.61 ERA with five blown saves in 36 first-half appearances. The 39-year-old's 4.33 FIP doesn't offer much hope for a turnaround, either.
Despite inking Nathan to a two-year, $20-million deal in the offseason, the Tigers can't afford to keep him in the closer's role much longer.
If the club pursues options outside of the organization, available names reportedly include former Tiger Joaquin Benoit, Huston Street, Joakim Soria, Koji Uehara, and Chad Qualls.
Related: 3 potential trade suitors for Koji Uehara
Related: Report: Rangers, Tigers continue to discuss Joakim Soria
2. Left-handed bat
Detroit's offense is loaded with right-handed bats, and features only two starters capable of hitting from the left side.
Switch-hitting Victor Martinez offers the Tigers MVP production from the designated hitter spot, but his health remains a concern heading into the second half.
If Martinez were to miss an extended period of time, the Tigers would be left with a huge hole from that side of the plate and no reinforcements to spell slugger Miguel Cabrera at first base.
Expect Dombrowzki to check on available left-handed bats, preferably at the corner infield positions.
3. Third baseman
The Tigers lack considerable power at the hot corner. The combination of Nick Castellanos and Don Kelly ranks last in the AL with six home runs while hitting .261/.314/.373.
Detroit could fill two needs by targeting switch-hitting San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley, but he's on several teams' radar.
Another intriguing option is the Colorado Rockies' Michael Cuddyer, who would offer flexibility at both corner positions and is a free agent at the end of the season. Cuddyer, however, remains on the disabled list with a fractured shoulder and would add to the club's logjam of right-handed bats.