With the Detroit Tigers in firm command of first place in the American League Central, the team doesn’t have any reason to hold back in the trade market. However, a new report points towards the Tigers potentially missing out on a perfect fit for their team.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Arizona Diamondbacks won’t be sellers if they are in contention by the MLB trade deadline. For the Tigers, this is bad news as their top trade target, Eugenio Suarez, is on the Diamondbacks, and he’d no longer be available if the Diamondbacks were still fighting for a postseason spot.
“As long as the D-backs still have a legitimate shot,” writes Nightengale, “they are making it clear they are not interested in breaking up the band.”
If the Diamondbacks don’t plan on selling, plenty of players would be off the table. Starters Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly would not be moved, while Shelby Miller in the bullpen would stay in Arizona. Josh Naylor also wouldn’t be moved. But, most importantly for the Tigers, that would mean Suarez isn’t likely to be traded.
Suarez is a 33-year-old third baseman who will turn 34 in mid-July, right around when he could get moved if the Diamondbacks are sellers. He’s in the final year of a seven-year, $66 million deal he signed in 2018. The Diamondbacks exercised their $15 million club option in the offseason, keeping the slugging third baseman on the team for another year.
After the season-ending injury to Corbin Burnes, there were significant rumors that the Diamondbacks would be open to selling their experienced veterans’ deals. Suarez is one of the most prominent players on that list, and he would be the perfect fit in Detroit.
With a need at third base and the assets to acquire Suarez in the farm system, the Tigers would likely be one of the top contenders for Suarez in the trade market. But if Nightengale’s report is true, the Tigers could be forced out of their top trade target before the deadline heats up.
