By Mmesoma 
As the MLB trade deadline draws near, the Detroit Tigers find themselves in a familiar spot—balancing the potential of a surprise playoff push with the realities of a long-term rebuild. With the team hovering around .500 and showing flashes of late-season promise, front office decision-makers will weigh the pros and cons of selling veterans for young talent.
Here are five Tigers players whose names are beginning to surface in trade rumors:
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1. Tarik Skubal (LHP)
Detroit’s ace and 2025 All-Star, Skubal offers true pitching impact and is a physical rarity — but he’s set to become a free agent next year. If Tigers aren’t confident in their contention window, moving him could net multiple top prospects in return.
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2. Alex Faedo (RHP/Opener)
A stretch candidate for the rotation or late-inning bullpen, Faedo’s flexibility makes him a valuable trade asset for teams seeking reliable depth. Expect strong interest from clubs contending in both the AL and NL.
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3. Lane Thomas (OF)
The veteran outfielder has been a surprise sparkplug in Detroit, offering power and consistency. With a mid-league batting average and occasional homer power, he could attract mid-tier pitching prospects.
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4. Cameron Maybin (OF/Designated Hitter)
An experienced bat and clubhouse leader, Maybin provides playoff-tested poise and postseason grit. He’s a prime candidate for a mid-season rental by contenders looking to bolster their locker room and DH depth.
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5. Will Vest (RHP/Bullpen Piece)
Detroit’s bullpen has been one of its few converting strengths, and Vest’s impressive strikeout rate gives him trade-market appeal. Teams needing late-inning arms would view him as high-upside mid-tier piece.
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⚖️ Why Each Could Go — Or Stay
Young core’s development: While some insiders believe the Tigers should trade back-end veterans (like Faedo and Vest), the value in a player like Skubal is likely too high to ignore.
Playoff pursuit versus long-term health: With playoff hopes still alive, Detroit’s front office may keep reinforcements around—especially in the rotation—unless a massive haul is available.
Money matters: Even though some arm depth would cost nothing at the CBA deadline, Detroit’s younger roster wouldn’t look the same by September with Skubal off the table.
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Bottom Line
Detroit’s spot in the standings demands a well-calibrated approach. Buyers may arrive as teams ballyhoo for pitching depth before the July 31st deadline. Keep an eye on Skubal’s availability—it figures to determine whether the Tigers press for the wild-card or begin a reshuffling of future assets.