The Detroit Tigers are off to a hot start in 2025. At 22-13, they own the best record in the American League.
Detroit made a surprise run to the ALDS last year after they sold off some pieces at the trade deadline. This year, they will likely add at the deadline rather than subtract.
The Tigers pursued Alex Bregman last offseason but fell short in the sweepstakes as Bregman went to the Boston Red Sox. But another member of the Red Sox could be on the trading block this summer.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report lists Ceddanne Rafaela as a possible trade candidate and also has the Tigers as a team that could show interest.
"Plenty of contenders can't be thrilled with the production they've gotten out of their center fielders thus far this season," Miller writes.
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"The Phillies, Mets and Tigers should all at least kick the tires on a possible trade for Rafaela, while the Diamondbacks, Astros and Guardians—who entered play this past Friday with a combined zero home runs from center fielders—would perhaps engage in a battle royale of a bidding war."
The Red Sox would have to be blown away with a trade offer for Rafaela. They also might be trending towards buying rather than selling.
Fortunately though, if Detroit wants Rafaela, they have plenty of prospects to get a deal done, as they have one of the top farm systems in Major League Baseball, which should help them stay competitive for years to come.
Rafaela could shore up their outfield defense and also provide them with a boost offensively.
He hit just .246 last year, but also hit 15 home runs and drove in 75 runs during the regular season, so he could help Detroit.
We'll see if the Tigers end up kicking the tires on him.
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