The Detroit Tigers entered the All-Star break with one of the best records in baseball and a +87 run differential. With the MLB trade deadline nearing, Detroit has slipped to third place in the American League, and it seems to be influencing their priorities ahead of the deadline.
Amid the team's recent skid, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports that the Tigers' front office is focused on upgrading the bullpen by the deadline on July 31.
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It's clear why pitching is a top priority for Detroit. Since returning from the All-Star break, the Tigers have lost 10 of their last 11 games. The bullpen has been one of the team's biggest problems this month, recording the fifth-worst ERA (5.63) in MLB.
Detroit Tigers bullpen ( FanGraphs ): 4.08 ERA (19th), .244 batting average allowed (21st), 1.28 WHIP (14th)
Fortunately for Detroit, there is an abundance of relievers available this summer. The club has been tied in MLB trade rumors to Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley .
The Tigers are also keeping options open at third base and starting pitching. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez is on Detroit's radar, but his asking price could prove to be out of their range. Likewise, the cost of adding a quality starting pitcher at the MLB trade deadline is reportedly higher than usual.
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Knowing all that, the Tigers' front office ultimately might opt to add multiple relievers in the next few days. If Detroit can add a closer and a setup man, its bullpen will be in a much stronger position to handle a heavier workload in October.
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