The Detroit Tigers are one of the best teams in baseball and while they made the World Series last year, this season one thing that could keep them back is the weakness at DH and at closer, as Jose Valverde has looked vulnerable while blowing saves.
According to SB Nation, the Tigers could be one of the team looks to buy at the trading deadline, as they haven't been able to get much out of Victor Martinez this season at designated hitter. The report suggests that the Seattle Mariners may trade Kendrys Morales since he will be a free agent next season and he has some pop. The Mariners are out of the AL West race and at 10 games under .500, if they don't turn things around soon they will be ready to start dealing.
The Tigers are in first place by nearly five games, but they realize that Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander can only take the team so far, which is why they are in the market for a closer and a power bat. Morales has dealt with some back issues, but that is because he has had to play the field while the M's deal with injuries and if he makes it to the Tigers, that won't be an issue as he would play DH mostly.
The Tigers are one of the strongest teams in the league, but having Valverde blow saves is a huge weakness and with no-in house options they will try and deal for someone else. Joaquin Benoit could take over but the Tigers like him where he is and that they will try to deal, or even possibly turn starter Rick Porcello into a closer for the season. Jonathan Papelbon could be an option as the Phillies are starting to fall off a bit in the NL East.
The toughest part on Jonathan Papelbon is his salary and the fact that he has a no trade clause, but that doesn't mean the team shouldn't look into it. GM Dave Dombrowski said that they aren't looking to make a trade for a closer yet, but that could change if Valverde continues to struggle.
