With MLB's winter meetings set, who are the most likely Tigers' players to be dealt this off season?
Outfielder Akili Baddoo and starting pitcher Matt Manning.
That's not a knock on either player, but more an acknowledgement of the need to trade something of value to get a greater need in return.
Baddoo is young (25), in the first year being arbitration eligible, has exceptional speed and untapped potential as a hitter.
He is also a left-handed batting outfielder behind Riley Greene, Parker Meadows and Kerry Carpenter, even in a platoon situation.
Manning has been hindered by multiple injuries, but most not involving his arm. The Tigers certainly have been through many ups and downs with their 2016 first-round pick (9th overall). He had a promising 2023 in regard to traditional stats with 3.58 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.
But Manning remains puzzling because his velocity and spin rate are far below MLB average, and he doesn't have an apparent plus off-speed pitch. Most of the raw data involving Manning is below MLB average. His only strengths are a plus strike-throwing ratio and exceptional extension, the latter meaning his release point is closer to home plate. That essentially shortens distance, and hence his other metrics play up, especially velocity.
Manning's future could be tied to where Casey Mize is at in regard to his return from Tommy John surgery. Tarik Skubal is the No.1 starter. Reese Olson and recently-signed veteran Kenta Maeda follow him. Mize would be fourth, if ready. The fifth starter is likely another veteran addition or Manning, who is eligible for arbitration following this season.
Also, 2021 third overall pick Jackson Jobe will likely make his MLB debut this season. If that seems odd considering he has only one Double-A start, it's because his command of the strike zone is exceptional with four plus pitches (mid-to-high 90s fastball, extraordinarily high-spin sweeper, a solid cutter and a wipe out changeup he is landing with remarkable consistency). Jobe is the best pitching prospect the Tigers have had since Justin Verlander. And Mize, Skubal and Manning were very good on their way up the ladder.
Ty Madden, with a high 90s fastball and plus slider, is just a bit more consistency away from Detroit. Both have higher ceilings than Manning, and Madden's calling might be in the bullpen.
And there are others in the starting pitching line such as Sawyer Gibson-Long and Keider Montero, the latter recently added to the 40-man roster.
Trades are about mixing and matching. Organizational depth is the key. Don't be surprised if it pays off this winter in the Tigers' quest to move into playoff contention sooner instead of later, especially considering their home is the decidedly winnable American League Central.
