As the deadline approached, the Detroit Tigers’ strategy became clear: while they were indeed looking to enhance their roster, fans were advised to manage their expectations regarding high-profile acquisitions. The likelihood of landing notable players like Eugenio Suárez, Jhoan Duran, or Ryan Helsley diminished as all three were claimed by different teams just before the cutoff.
In the face of this reality, the Tigers have opted for less celebrated additions to their bullpen. One of their more significant moves was acquiring Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals, though the impact of the other additions, including Rafael Montero and Paul Sewald, remains uncertain.
On Thursday afternoon, the Tigers made a notable trade with the Texas Rangers, acquiring right-handed pitcher Codi Heuer in exchange for cash considerations. Heuer, who previously had a promising start to his career, has faced significant injuries that limited his time on the mound since 2021. This season, he has been performing in Triple-A, showcasing a 3.43 ERA with four saves across 35 appearances.
In conjunction with this acquisition, the Tigers designated Dietrich Enns for assignment. Enns had an impressive debut earlier this year, throwing five scoreless innings in his first Major League appearance since 2021, but his performance took a downward turn as he struggled in subsequent games.
The Tigers’ current approach seems to be focused on gathering players with potential, albeit with varying degrees of success. While their recent trades may not dazzle, there is hope that with time, players like Heuer could develop and contribute meaningfully to the team, particularly if they can find their footing in the majors.
This strategy reflects a broader trend in the league where teams aim to build depth and foster development through various assets, even if the immediate rewards are not as apparent. Whether these decisions will pay off remains to be seen, but there is a silver lining in their commitment to creating a competitive roster for the future.