The Detroit Tigers are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in Major League Baseball at 53-32. They have an 11 1/2-game lead in the AL Central over the Cleveland Guardians.
It's clear at this point that Detroit is a true World Series contender and that they have the pieces to go on a run down the stretch.
However, Detroit will certainly look to make upgrades at the trade deadline to enhance their chances of a deep October run. They could use a little help on the pitching side.
Michael Brauner of Sports Illustrated recently proposed the idea of Detroit trading for both Ryan Helsley and Erick Fedde.
"After entertaining trading both quality starter Erick Fedde and All-Star closer Ryan Helsley this offseason, St. Louis held onto both of them with the prevailing thought being they would unload them at the deadline," Brauner wrote.
"The Cardinals made virtually no offseason moves and were not expected to contend by any means. However, they have held strong and sit right near the playoff picture."
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Both St. Louis right-handers could help the Tigers out. They need innings from their starters, which Fedde can provide.
Helsley saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals franchise record and being named the National League Reliever of the Year. They might cost a significant amount of prospects from Detroit, but it might be worth it if the Tigers want to make a deep run.
Helsley has saved 16 games in 29 appearances this season and is 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA, while Fedde is 3-7 with a 4.11 ERA in 16 starts.
A move such as this could make Detroit serious title contenders in the second half of the season, and it will be interesting to see how the Tigers approach the deadline.
From MLB: Detroit Tigers predicted to select Big Ten hitting prospect