Tigers' re-graded trade deadline haul still is lackluster according to MLB insider

Tigers' re-graded trade deadline haul still is lackluster according to MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News

At the MLB trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers didn't go overboard with their moves. Landing more quantity over quality saved prospect capital, but it also didn't make any huge impact on the Tigers.

From the perspective of MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Tigers' trade deadline is still viewed as lackluster two weeks after their moves. His initial grade was a "D," and it remains a "D" after their additions have made their debuts.

"Well," Nightengale writes, "they acquired seven pitchers but went the conservative route, refusing to part with any of their top prospects."

That conservative route led the Tigers to bring in a plethora of pitchers in the rotation and the bullpen. Kyle Finnegan, Chris Paddack, Charlie Morton, Paul Seawald, Rafael Montero, Randy Dobnak, and Codi Heuer were all picked up at the deadline. 

As Nightengale describes, it wasn't an aggressive deadline by any means. But his grade of a "D" after the fact fails to acknowledge the impact of Finnegan and the two starters on the team.

This season with the Tigers, across seven outings, Finnegan has a 0.00 ERA, four saves, and 10 strikeouts in 7.2 innings pitched. He's helped create a strong duo with Will Vest for Detroit's closer role.

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While Paddack and Morton have had their ups and downs, both have been solid additions. Considering the injuries to the starting rotation in Detroit, what they gave up to acquire these two pitchers, and the flexibility they provide, their additions have been positive.

While Heuer, Seawald, and Dobnak haven't amounted to much, they are still options if the Tigers need them, who have MLB experience. Montero also had a strong outing recently, securing a win for the Tigers in an outing reminiscent of his 2022 season.

These moves didn't light the world on fire, and the Tigers didn't address their third base hole, but the moves so far have been unquestionably positive. 

Finnegan's production alone warrants a higher grade than a D, as the Tigers' trade deadline pickups have been solid contributors in their time with Detroit.

Despite Nightengale still viewing the Tigers' trade deadline as lackluster, the moves that Scott Harris and company made have been helpful to the team, making a postseason run.

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