The Detroit Tigers have emerged as a surprising force this season, catching many baseball fans off guard with their strong performance. However, the team still has several weaknesses and is expected to make roster improvements before this month’s trade deadline.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently addressed questions about the upcoming trade deadline, including potential bullpen additions for the Tigers. In response, he named St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley as a possible target for Detroit. Helsley is set to become a free agent after the season and is projected by Spotrac to land an $81 million deal in free agency.
Jim Bowden wrote that the Tigers should prioritize bullpen targets like Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox), David Bednar (Pirates), Félix Bautista (Orioles), Mason Miller (Athletics), Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), and Emmanuel Clase (Guardians), with Chapman and Bednar being the most attainable options. While Will Vest has performed well for Detroit, the team could benefit from adding another dominant late-inning reliever.
Acquiring Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals could be Detroit’s smartest move this season. While the right-hander has had some inconsistent stretches, he’s shown dominant stuff overall. Since St. Louis remains in playoff contention, the Tigers would likely need to part with several top prospects to make a deal happen. However, with a deep farm system, Detroit is well-equipped to pull it off—and such a trade could elevate them from contenders to potential World Series favorites.
