A top MLB insider recently offered up a bold Detroit Tigers trade idea that would see them give up elite prospect Kevin McGonigle for a pair of game-changer additions.
Over the first half of the season, the Tigers have proven that their surprise playoff run last season was no fluke. They were the first team to reach 50 wins this season. And are currently tied for the best record in MLB. They are as for real as any team in baseball.
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However, if they want to make a serious run at their first championship since 1984, they could use a few more additions to sure up certain spots. This week, The Athletic MLB insider and former general manager Jim Bowden offered up a bold idea that gets Detroit a pair of high-impact players. But it would cost them one of their very best prospects.
“The Cardinals have stuck around in the wild-card race. But this would be a deal for the future. They would acquire Kevin McGonigle, an elite prospect who can flat-out hit and can play any infield position,” Bowden wrote in a new column. “The only reason the Tigers would consider making this deal is if they felt Nolan Arenado would be a difference-maker at third base, both offensively and defensively.
- Nolan Arenado stats (2025): .245 AVG, .306 OBP, .395 SLG, .701 OPS, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 37 R
“More importantly, they’d add Ryan Helsley, an impact closer to go along with high-leverage relievers Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle. Of course, to make this deal happen, Arenado would have to waive his no-trade clause. And the Cardinals would have to pay down his contract significantly. But even if St. Louis had to pay the entire freight, it would be worth it to land McGonigle.”
Despite playing in Single-A, McGonigle is ranked second in the Tigers system and 22nd overall in the league on MLB.com. It would be tough to give up an elite talent for an aging third baseman and a reliever. However, opportunities to compete for a World Series title don’t come often for Detroit.
- Ryan Helsley stats (2025): 15 saves, 3.54 ERA, 1.464 WHIP, 33 strikeouts, 12 walks
Arenado would certainly be energized by competing for a title and could make a big difference in the second half. Furthermore, the Dodgers proved last year how valuable a strong bullpen could be in winning a championship. The trio of Helsley, Will Vest, and Tommy Kahnle could be filthy during the postseason.
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