Most of the trade intrigue for the Tigers approaching the Aug. 1 deadline is tied to Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen. Here's another name to watch: Kerry Carpenter.
Amidst Carpenter's breakout season in the majors, "trade interest" in the 25-year-old outfielder is "robust," according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi -- "but rival execs expect Detroit to keep him for the long term."
And why wouldn't they? Carpenter has an .827 OPS this season, .876 since returning from the injured list in early June. With 11 home runs in 56 games, he's on a 30-plus homer pace over the course of a full season. He looks like a middle-of-the-order bat for a team that needs more of them -- not fewer.
Per Morosi, "The Tigers view Carpenter as part of their future and believe they can contend sooner rather than later."
If a rival team blows Scott Harris away with an offer, of course he'd have to consider it. But Carpenter, a success story as a former 19th-round pick, fits the Tigers' timeline and could be a key piece on a competitive team as soon as next season.
Suffice to say, it will take a lot to pry him from Detroit's hands.
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