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Tigers Eye Otto Lopez As Top Trade Target This Offseason
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- Tigers Eye Otto Lopez As Top Trade Target This Offseason
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Detroit Tigers have already made their first move of the offseason. Cash considerations secured Tsung-Che Cheng, the infielder, from the Boston Red Sox. This small deal signals a bigger plan to strengthen the middle of the diamond. The front office wants to add depth while they wait for free agency to open up.
However, the real story involves a potential blockbuster trade for Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Lopez and Xavier Edwards might be traded last week if the price is right. The Tigers have struggled with infield consistency, and Lopez offers the exact stability they need. His defensive skills and contact-hitting ability make him a perfect fit for a team looking to compete.
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A Proven Winner at the Plate
Lopez just finished a dominant 2026 season that proves he is ready for a bigger role. He posted a .300 batting average, which is a massive victory in its own right. On top of that average, he recorded 52 extra-base hits and struck out fewer than 90 times. His 122 OPS shows he gets on base and hits for power when it counts.
Defense is where he truly shines. Lopez posted 14 Outs Above Average and 6 Defensive Runs Saved at shortstop. These numbers suggest he is an immediate upgrade over current options like Javier Baez or John Peck. He does not walk much, but he also does not swing and miss often. The strike zone saw 90.1% of pitches contacted by him. That kind of reliability is hard to find in free agency.
Building a History of Deals
The Tigers are not shy about making trades to get the job done. Per Sports Illustrated , Detroit has completed 51 trades with the Baltimore Orioles, 41 with the Boston Red Sox, and 38 with the Atlanta Braves. They also have 39 trades on record with the Oakland Athletics. This history shows a front office that knows how to navigate the market.
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With the current Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire on Dec. 1, the Tigers are likely to be active. They have more than 40 players on the roster and several non-tender candidates. This creates a situation where Detroit could be calling many teams to clear space. The Red Sox and Tigers have already established a trade relationship, which could open doors for other deals.
The Cost of Doing Business
Acquiring Lopez would likely require the Tigers to send back an infield piece in return. The team has young talent like Colt Keith who lacks a clear defensive position right now. Keith could be the key to unlocking this deal for Miami. The Marlins might also look at other young infielders like Jace Jung or Max Anderson.
Securing Lopez would lock down two key spots in the infield immediately. He and Kevin McGonigle would form a solid backbone at shortstop and second base.
