The Detroit Tigers have been active in MLB free agency; however, they remain quiet on the trade market. The Tigers have addressed their bullpen by signing relievers Kenley Jansen and Kyle Finnegan, but the starting lineup would be the same if the 2026 MLB season started today.
In fact, Detroit’s rotation also remains the same after starting pitcher Jack Flaherty accepted his player option for the 2026 season. The payroll is higher than expected, as the Tigers didn’t expect Flaherty to pick up his option or second baseman Gleyber Torres to accept the qualifying offer.
Therefore, Detroit might be forced to trade to improve its MLB roster. Below, we dive into five big trades the Tigers could make during the 2025 MLB offseason.
Detroit Tigers trade Tarik Skubal to Los Angeles Dodgers
Tarik Skubal would be a massive loss for the Tigers; however, they could acquire several key pieces from the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, the Dodgers would likely headline a Skubal trade package with 26-year-old starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan. Los Angeles would include other MLB-ready prospects with Sheehan, but this trade is geared more for the future than 2026.
Ketel Marte acquired by Tigers in big deal
Ketel Marte would be a great addition for the Tigers this offseason. Detroit would likely have to part ways with a young starting pitcher, like Troy Melton and infielder Colt Keith, to get a trade across the finish line with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Marte would bring much-needed power to the Tigers’ lineup, but he likely would have to be the new third baseman or serve as the team’s designated hitter.
Detroit trades for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran
Jarren Duran would be a much-needed upgrade in center field for the Tigers. While Parker Meadows’ defense has been sensational, the offense needs more work going into the 2026 MLB season. Duran would bring his power to Detroit and upgrade the lineup while providing servicable defense. The Boston Red Sox aren’t in a rush to trade Duran; however, he is intriguing for Detroit.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. shockingly traded to Detroit Tigers
Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be a good investment for the Tigers in 2026. The New York Yankees are open to trading Chisholm, and his experience at third base could intrigue Detroit. The All-Star second baseman only has one year left on his contract, so the price wouldn’t be too high. Chisholm would reunite with Torres and give the Tigers a massive bat.
Tigers acquire division rival Byron Buxton
Byron Buxton is the most unlikely player on this list for Detroit, but he would easily solve the problem in center field. Buxton has outstanding defense and great power, which would give the Tigers an improvement in both areas over Meadows. The only issue would be the Minnesota Twins, as they might not be willing to trade the star center fielder to a division rival.
