The Detroit Tigers currently hold the best record in the American League at 54-33. The Tigers have carried the momentum of last season’s miracle second half to this season as the team is one of the top favorites in the American League to make it to the World Series.
As the July 31st MLB trade deadline fast approaches, the Tigers are looking to make moves that put them in the best position possible to win their first World Series Championship since 1984. This could mean trading away talented prospects.
The Tigers need a second star pitcher for their rotation in addition to Tarik Skubal. One of the Tigers' young, talented prospects that could be shipped off for a talented starter is outfielder Max Clark.
Detroit selected Clark with the third overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Clark is one of the Tigers' top prospects, along with shortstop Kevin McGonigle, who plays for Detroit’s High-A affiliate, the West Michigan Whitecaps.
The Tigers envision Clark as one of their outfielders of the future, and his impressive season with the Whitecaps is a testament to why. It's also a reason why trading him away might be a risky move.
He has a slash line of .270/.419/.830, while recording 67 hits, 46 runs, 43 RBIs, and seven home runs for the Whitecaps.
Given Clark's recent success with the Whitecaps, it’s only a matter of time until he gets moved up to the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, the Erie SeaWolves.
Two questions remain regarding his future: Will Clark continue to be a part of the Tigers' farm system after the MLB trade deadline? Are the Tigers willing to sacrifice one of their top prospects in hopes of winning a World Series?