Graterol

Every time I do this exercise I come to the conclusion that Carpenter could/should be traded. On some level, massive platoon splits are a good thing for someone like Hinch. But Carpenter was a 1.5 WAR guy because his defense sucks and he doesn’t get on base. Add in the need to carry Jones as a platoon partner, and I don’t think this is how Harris and Hinch ideally would allocate two roster spots. Not sure you would get much for Carpenter, but I would certainly explore it. That would also open up more ABs for Keith. Would giving Keith ABs and 1B/2B/3B/RF/DH make more sense than locking him in to one position? Would especially like a Carp trade if there was a Kim/Bregman/Polanco signing.

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-zips-projections-detroit-tigers/ Not sure if this has been posted. This highlights to me biggest holes are SS (depending on mcgonigle) and OF. Would still love Kim on a 1 year deal. I also think Carp is traded.

He isn’t going to start, but I could see him in an Ibanez role platooning at 2B/3B/DH.

I know others have suggested it, but I wonder what Carpenter would fetch in a trade. Given his defense and big platoon split, he really hurts roster construction. Also, what do we do with Jung, Lee, and Anderson? I don’t mind Anderson in the Ibanez role, but all 3 are not good enough to start but too good to give away. Jung especially needs a change of scenery I think.

Kim adds everything this team is lacking. Acceptable SS defense. RH bat. Relatively cheap contract. He is the best fit in FA.

Gleyber given a QO. I think Kim is perfect for this team to bridge SS. I also like Polanco as a 2B/3B/DH. Would love to see 2 of these 3 plus a short term FA pitcher (actually think Scherzer or Verlander would be a good fit).

Don’t see Harris making a splash for a position player in FA. Only possibilities I see are Bregman, Bichette, Polanco, and potentially Kim. Don’t see Tucker as realistic nor Bellinger as a good roster fit. I would be pretty surprised if there isn’t a minor trade given the plethora of mediocre 2B/3B types on the 40 man.

Kahnle with season on the line? Most of us were surprised he was even on the playoff roster.

This year is a reminder you need 8 starting pitchers. Flaherty has an interesting decision to make. Don’t think you could get anything better for a 1 year contract so I prefer him coming back. skubal, Olsen, Mize, Melton, Flaherty (or replacement FA) with Urquidy, Jobe, SGL, Montero as depth seems perfectly fine to me. Verlander would actually be a great fit as a reliable arm and maybe helps you limit innings for Melton and/or Jobe if necessary. Bigger issue is the offense. McKinstry, Baez, and Wenceel are best as bench pieces. There is going to have to be a trade with Max Anderson, Jung, Lee, plus Ibanez and Vierling all competing for bench spots.

This has been Harris biggest weakness. Short term deals are good in theory, but Harris has spent decent money on cahna, maeda, Cobb, Morton, paddock, brebbia, kahnle, Torres, and flaherty. It’s not being cheap, but i would argue his allocation of scarce resources has been god awful.

Kahnle giving up hard contact. Montero and Kahnle pitching in a close playoff is wild. AJ needs to get off the sauce.

Aj Hinch is a smart guy. What the hell was he thinking? Heart of order, vest or finnegan would even make sense, especially with Holton for the lefties. Hurter was dealing, could even make some sense. But ****in Montero?

The ghost of Scott Harris trade deadline strikes again. why does aj hinch not know montero sucks like all of us?

Hanifee in for Sewald.

Also your daily reminder that trey Sweeney was 38th out of 38 shortstops in war, one of only two with negative war, and had an Wrc+ of 8 in the second half.