One of the main needs for the Detroit Tigers at the upcoming MLB trade deadline is more help in the bullpen. While Will Vest and Tommy Kahle have been solid, they still need more arms in the bullpen.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic identified six reliever targets for the Tigers. While some of the options are a little unrealistic, Bowden also identified two that are the most realistic for the Tigers to target at the trade deadline.
"Aroldis Chapman of the Red Sox," Bowden writes, "David Bednar of the Pirates, Félix Bautista of the Orioles, Mason Miller of the Athletics, Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals, and Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians should be among their top trade targets, with Chapman and Bednar being the most realistic acquisitions."
While landing Clase, Helsley, Miller, or Bautista would be very exciting additions, the Tigers' best options are Bednar and Chapman. Not only are both relievers reportedly on the market, but both would be nice additions to the bullpen.
Bednar is a righty reliever, and while a lefty would be nice, Bednar has been dominant as of late. Since the start of June, and across 12 outings, he hasn't allowed an earned run. His ERA on the year is down to 2.70, and he's impressing once again.
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Chapman, meanwhile, has a 1.25 ERA on the year. In his 18th season, and at 37 years old, he is having an incredibly dominant year. Across 36 innings pitched, Chapman has struck out 53 batters and walked 10. He also has 15 saves for the Red Sox this season.
There are two big differences between the two relievers. Bednar is a righty while Chapman is a lefty, making Chapman the better fit in the bullpen this season. The other difference is that Bednar is under team control through 2026, compared to Chapman, who's only under control through the remainder of this season.
Either would be a nice addition, and they both have their pros and cons. Bednar is a solution for more than just 2025, while Chapman gives the highest ceiling this season for the Tigers.
Making a move at the deadline for a reliever is a very feasible move for Detroit. Of the six names Bowden mentioned, Bednar and Chapman are the two most likely additions. Come the end of July, either could be in Detroit.
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