One of the main issues for the Detroit Tigers to solve as they approach the MLB trade deadline is their starting rotation. With six starters on the injured list, out for varying amounts of time, the Tigers need to explore the starting pitcher trade market.
Fortunately, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report named the Tigers as one of the favorites to land Walker Buehler from the Boston Red Sox in a trade. The Red Sox starter is in the middle of a $21 million deal with Boston and could be available at the trade deadline.
“With the best record in MLB through 79 games, the Tigers are pointed squarely in the direction of the World Series.” Rymer wrote. “They should be trying to go all-in, and even adding the remainder of Buehler’s salary would still leave them well short (as in, tens of millions of dollars) of the first luxury-tax threshold.”
Buehler’s $21 million contract is a huge burden for a team to take on, but for the Tigers, there wouldn’t be any money issues. That gives them a significant leg up on any other teams trying to acquire him.
But, the issue for the Tigers comes in the form of what Buehler has done on the mound. While he’s a big name and has some great All-Star seasons and postseason moments, the Red Sox starter is having a rough season
In 2025, Buehler has a 6.29 ERA in 13 starts and has -1.2 WAR on the season. He has a 5-5 record, and across 63 innings, he has allowed 13 home runs, 29 walks, and 70 hits while striking out 56 batters.
His strikeout-to-walk ratio is the second worst of his MLB career, and his ERA+ is also the second lowest of his eight-year MLB career. But while he’s struggled, his postseason success (3.04 ERA in 18 starts) is enough for the Tigers to take a chance on him.
