Tigers urged to resolve 'frightening' issue at trade deadline

With four days remaining until the MLB trade deadline, the top need for the Detroit Tigers is clear: they need to add to their bullpen. That need became even more dire after their latest game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

For Jeff Seidel of The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers need to bring in a reliever at the trade deadline. Seidel highlighted the issue for Detroit by referencing the ninth inning against the Blue Jays in the series finale.

"The Tigers had a comfortable lead going into the ninth, but couldn't put the Jays away cleanly." Seidel writes. "They gave up four runs, and it started to feel uncomfortable. Think of it this way: When you go into the ninth inning, holding a 10-run lead and have to get your closer warming up, it's not exactly ideal. It's downright frightening."

A shaky bullpen can ruin any team come the postseason. If the relievers can't shut down opposing teams, then it's nearly impossible to make it deep in the postseason.

If the Tigers don't make any moves, while there are some solid pieces, their bullpen could be one of the most shaky come the postseason. Adding a reliever or two to bolster the bullpen is a much-needed move by the trade deadline.

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As Seidel puts it: "More than anything, they have to bolster the bullpen."

Landing a superstar like Jhoan Duran or Mason Miller is likely out of the question, but there are a few other options that would be nice pickups without costing one of their top-five prospects.

David Bednar or Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates could be solid options, as could St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves has struggled a bit this season compared to previous seasons, but he, too, could be a decent option.

The need in the bullpen is dire, especially with all of the uncertainty right now. Tommy Kahnle has struggled, as have Tyler Hotlon, Chase Lee, and Dietrich Enns. 

Will Vest and Brant Hurter have been the top relievers in Detroit this season, but they aren't enough. The Tigers need to swing a deal for anotehr reliever to resolve their "downright frightening" bullpen situation.

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