The Detroit Tigers are in the midst of one of their best seasons in over a decade, but after going 6-7 over their last 13 games, it’s become apparent that the franchise still has some work to do before becoming a serious World Series contender.
3 Relievers The Detroit Tigers Could Target At The Trade Deadline
While most of the recent trade rumors have centered around adding more power at third base, the Tigers bullpen has started to unravel over the past month.
During June, Detroit’s bullpen finished with a 4.50 ERA, which ranked 26th in the MLB during that span, and things have only gotten worse since turning the page to a new calendar month. In 14 innings this month, the Tigers’ bullpen has pitched to the tune of a 6.23 ERA.
With the trade deadline right around the corner, here are a few names worth monitoring that could help shore up some of the holes in the Tigers’ bullpen.
Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals
Kyle Finnegan has turned himself into one of the most reliable relievers in baseball over the past few seasons. After combining for 66 saves over the past two seasons, the Washington Nationals closer has posted a career-best 2.45 ERA in 33 innings of work in 2025. While he doesn’t have the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that puts fear in opposing hitters, he’s developed a reputation for getting the job done in high-leverage situations.
The 33-year-old has added 18 saves this season and will be a free agent at the end of the season, so he likely won’t cost the Tigers any of their top prospects in a potential deadline deal.
David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar has rebuilt his value following a disappointing 2024 campaign in which he posted 5.77 ERA. Bednar got off to a slow start this season but has been lights out over the last two months and hasn’t allowed an earned run in any of his previous 15 appearances stretching all the way back to May 23rd.
Unlike some of the other names on this list, Bednar comes with an additional year of team control, so he won’t be a true trade deadline rental. He’s posted 42 strikeouts in 29 ⅔ innings of work, meaning he should add some much-needed punch to a Tigers’ bullpen that ranks second-last in the MLB with just 7.54 K/9.
Aroldis Chapman, Boston Red Sox
Aroldis Chapman might be the name that gets Tigers fans most excited at the deadline.
Chapman brings World Series experience and the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that the Tigers’ bullpen has sorely missed this season. At 37 years old, the current Red Sox closer is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career and could come at a discount compared to some of the other names on this list. Chapman has posted a stellar 1.29 ERA with 15 saves and 51 strikeouts in just 35 innings of work this season.
He’s also been excellent during the playoffs, posting a career 2.37 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 49 postseason innings. He’s currently pitching on a one-year deal, so he’d essentially be a rental for the Tigers and could be added to a trade package that reunites manager A.J. Hinch with former third baseman and postseason star Alex Bregman.
Adding Chapman would be the kind of all-in move that signals that Detroit is serious about making a deep October run.
