There are a few players that the Detroit Tigers could target in the trade market. But, while starters and third basemen are at the top of the list, most bullpen help should be a priority as well.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Tigers would be a fit for Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana. The Pirates reliever has found his groove in Pittsburgh and has become one of the best relievers in baseball since he went there in the middle of the 2024 season.
His 2.44 ERA in the second half of the 2024 season was the first sign that the journeyman reliever finally found his groove. But once he began pitching in 2025, there was no doubt that Santana had found his stride in the Major Leagues.
In 2025, Santana has a 1.74 ERA through 31 innings. He has five saves, five walks allowed, and 25 strikeouts. He's also allowed just one home run and has an ERA+ of 244, by far the best in his career.
Not only is he having a great season, but he's also expected to be on the trade block. It's a perfect storm for a team to swoop in and acquire the journeyman reliever. Detroit would be a good fit for Santana, and not just because they need a reliever in 2025.
Santana is under team control through the 2026 season, meaning the Tigers wouldn't be trading for just a rental. His addition to the team makes a ton of sense, and he'd be one of the top targets on the trade block for the Tigers come the MLB trade deadline.
Feinsand's call that the Tigers would be one of the best potential fits for Santana is a sound one. Between the teams' need in the bullpen, their window to compete, and the Pirates being willing to sell, there is no reason for the Tigers not to strongly consider adding Santana come late July.