Tigers would 'love' to add a reliever with strikeout potential

The Detroit Tigers have the best record in baseball, but they have a questionable bullpen due to injuries and uncertain play. With the trade deadline expected to be ripe with plenty of different styles of relievers, the Tigers have a clear preference in mind.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Tigers are targeting a reliever who can notch strikeouts at the trade deadline. "Detroit would love to add a strikeout pitcher in the bullpen."

Finding a player that fits that description with this crop of available relievers won't be too challenging. While they could look to add a high-profile reliever, their overall target is a pitcher who can get strikeouts and be a presence on the mound.

It's a very specific need, but based on the Tigers' current situation in the bullpen, it makes sense. Of the Tigers' relievers, recent waiver pickup Carlos Hernandez has the highest strikeout per nine. The next closest reliever is Will Vest, who has 10 strikeouts per nine innings, which is 5.4 less than Hernandez's number.

The rest of their bullpen also aren't strikeout getters, with Tommy Kahnle, Tyler Holton, Brenan Hanifee, and Matt Gage all sitting below eight strikeouts per nine innings. Detroit's relievers haven't been bad, but they aren't putting away batters through the strikeout. 

With a need in the bullpen, and specifically in a strikeout getter, there are a few options the Tigers could target. Colorado Rockies Jake Bird leads the league in strikeouts from a reliever, and he's likely to be moved at the deadline. 

Another pitcher to keep in mind is Aroldis Chapman, the veteran flame-thrower. He has 48 strikeouts in 2025 and is averaging 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings. And, if the Tigers wanted to spend a fortune on a closer, they could go after Athletics closer Mason Miller.

Regardless of who they target, the Tigers are expected to go after a reliever who can get strikeouts at the MLB trade deadline. Nightengale didn't name any names, but the Tigers have a preference for the type of bullpen arm they'll try to acquire at the MLB trade deadline.