The Tigers won 95 games last season, an ALDS series against the Yankees and pushed the Rangers in the ALCS. They have the best pitcher in baseball, Justin Verlander, and arguably the best hitter, Miguel Cabrera. Their lineup is solid throughout. So is their bullpen.
They need another veteran pitcher to fill out the starting rotation, but the first four components are solid with Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello.
They also have a highly-regarded pitching prospect in Jacob Turner, who did pitch at Double-A and Triple-A last season and make his major league debut with a couple spot starts.
Matt Garza lurks. For all the up and down of his performance, he is in his prime and would unquestionably help the Tigers immediately. Do the Tigers trade Turner to acquire Garza from the Cubs? There are reports. My understanding valid ones.
The Tigers are one of those rare teams in strong enough position where dealing prospects for veterans makes complete sense. They are going to have a contending club deep into the future with Verlander and Cabrera. Every year their goal should be to win the World Series.
Turner has been, frankly, overhyped, but he did OK one of his major league starts, not-so-well in the other. He posted decent numbers in Double-A and Triple-A ball last season, but he didn't display for certain he is a future No. 1 or No. 2 starter, either. Or that he will be a full-time major league pitcher any time soon. He was 4-5 with a 3.44 ERA and decent numbers otherwise between Toledo and Erie, albeit it while being young for those levels.
A couple things: If the Tigers deal Turner, they won't know if he has improved since last season, and to what degree. It is a reasonable expectation given his talent (low-to-mid 90s fastball with late movement, very good feel with his breaking ball, still needs to work on his changeup). His makeup is good. If he comes along as a pitcher, he won't flinch at the pressure of the major leagues. Why trade somebody if he can help you at some point of the coming season?
As for Garza, love his arm. What I can't get over about him is how he pitched for the Twins, one of the more solid organizations in baseball, and how they quickly unloaded him. Then he was with Tampa Bay, another very good organization at evaluating talent - and they unloaded him relatively quickly.
Now the Cubs have a front office change. Theo Epstein is the new GM. His track record speaks for itself. What's he reportedly looking to do? Unload Garza.
Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
The Tigers might be wise to keep Turner. Not only because he has an upside as a pitcher that is just starting to develop, but also because he is bargaining chip for future trades.
Would it really be worth it to use that chip on Matt Garza?
Tempting, but I'd probably pass.