The Detroit Tigers are one of many teams around MLB that's drawing a lot of attention in trade talks this offseason. While Tarik Skubal is the main talking point, Detroit isn't only linked to players they could trade away.
Looking to contend in 2026, the Tigers could swing a trade or two to make the most of what could be Skubal's last year in Detroit.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently tabbed the Tigers as trade suitors for one player who would make a massive difference. That player is Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman and $105 million superstar Ketel Marte.
Tigers 'on the radar' for Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte
"The Diamondbacks continue to have operators standing by, ready to field your phone calls." Nightengale writes. "They have told anyone and everyone they are willing to listen to offers for their All-Star second baseman, who signed a $116.5 million deal last spring with $46 million in deferred money."
With the Diamondbacks' plans to trade Marte clear, the return package they are seeking revolves around help for their starting rotation. Multiple starters departed, leaving a clear need in the rotation in Arizona.
"The Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Tampa Bay Rays," Nightengale writes, "who have plenty of pitching, are all on the radar."
Arizona won't be able to get Skubal for Marte, but the Tigers could look to trade someone like Casey Mize or Jack Flaherty if the Diamondbacks are interested.
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They have some options to move this offseason in their rotation, and instead of spending big on a free agent to contend, they could acquire Marte for the 2026 season and beyond.
Of the players who have a realistic chance of being traded this offseason, Marte is likely the best. He's a three-time All-Star who's 32 years old and under club control through the 2030 season.
In 2025, he had a.283 batting average with an.893 OPS. Even with Gleyber Torres coming back, the Tigers could shift the roster around to make Marte fit.
Landing a star like Marte, while keeping most of the roster intact, could be the boost that Detroit needs to contend for a World Series in 2026. This report from Nightengale is one to keep in mind this offseason, as Marte is now a possible trade target for Detroit this winter.
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