The Tigers don't seem inclined to sell any of their key contributors before Monday's 4 p.m. trade deadline.
Look no further than Jonathan Schoop for proof.
But here are two names to watch: Daniel Norris and Austin Romine.
Norris, who has pitched well in a relief role this season, is drawing interest from the Rays, according to Ken Rosenthal.
In five appearances out the bullpen, Norris has a 1.35 ERA and 12 strikeouts against two walks in 13 1/3 innings. The analytics view Norris' arm favorably, which might explain the interest from a forward-thinking team like the Rays.
Rosenthal reports that Romine is an emerging trade chip, too. The veteran catcher, who signed a one-year, $4.1 million deal with Detroit this offseason, is batting .291 with a .726 OPS. He also provides a good deal of value behind the plate.
It's for the latter reason that the Tigers would rather hold onto Romine.
"The return would need to exceed his value in helping develop young pitchers such as Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal in the final month," per Rosenthal.
Romine left Sunday's win over the Twins due to knee soreness, which, according to Rosenthal, "might end any chance of a trade."
The Tigers are just two games out of the final playoff spot in the American League entering the final month of this shortened season. If Avila isn't blown away by an offer Monday, he's likely to stand pat.
"We're not really looking to add a big piece and trade away any of our young prospects," he said last week. "At the same time, if we add a player that we can better ourselves for next year or this year or in the near future, then obviously we have to be open-minded and listen to that.
"But if that trade is not there, frankly, we like our team and we'll keep our team together. We'll keep trying to win."
