MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Third Base Trade Targets for Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are sitting with the best record in all of major league baseball right now, going into Tuesday's play with a 43-24 record, leading the AL Central by seven games.
But after finally having made the playoffs last season after nine years out of the mix, they are not about to let their foot off the gas pedal in the Motor City. Despite their elite record, the Tigers have one glaring hole in their lineup, at third base. They rank second-to-last in MLB in nearly every major offensive category from the hot corner. A .199 batting average, a .556 OPS, and just three home runs are just not going to get it done from the position.
With that in mind, we look at five top third base trade targets for the Tigers, as listed by insider Jim Bowden in The Athletic.
Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks
This is Bowden's 'favorite target' on the list for Detroit, as it would be a homecoming of sorts for the power bat. He spent his first year in the big leagues as a Tiger, before launching his career with the Cincinnati Reds in the following seven years.
But let's say he's also the best target for the Motor City, as he generates the most power—by far—of these five names. He already has 18 homers for the D-Backs, on pace for 44 dingers. His 48 RBIs have him on pace to blow away his career high, with 118. He's a little batting average- and strikeout-challenged, but he's well on his way to his fourth 30+ HR season in the last five years.
Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies
Bohm was an All-Star last season, but his power numbers are way down, with just five long balls and 22 RBIs. His .687 OPS leaves him with a well below-average OPS+ of 91. How much would he move the needle for the Tigers?
Ke’Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Once a top prospect in the Pirates organization, Hayes has fallen on tough times the past couple of years, both in production, and ability to stay on the field. It could be time for a fresh start. He's hitting just .226 this year with one homer. He wouldn't be any better than what the Tigers have been rolling with at third thus far.
Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies
A trade candidate every season for the woeful Rockies, but they've never pulled the trigger on moving McMahon. They may have blown their chance. After four straight years of 20+ home runs, his numbers have fallen off a cliff this season, batting just .213 (nearly 30 points below his career average) with just 7 homers and 18 RBIs. He's still just 30 years old, and perhaps the Tigers believe he could recapture his All-Star form of a year ago.
