Despite low expectations, the Detroit Tigers are off to a solid start in 2019. In fact, at the time of this piece publishing, they are 8-5 and just a half of a game out of first place in the American League Central.
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Unfortunately, the chances of the Tigers playing at a .615 clip for the remainder of the season is highly unlikely as they just do not have the talent and experience needed to keep pace in a 162 game season.
That being said, when the Major League Baseball trade deadline rolls around later this season, the chances are high that the Tigers will be sellers.
Here is a look at three players who could be move at or before the trade deadline.
Nicholas Castellanos
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This should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone as Castellanos’ name has been floated around as a potential trade piece for quite a while now. There was even a thought that he could be dealt before the start of the 2019 season but the market was just not there for a player who struggles as much as Nicholas does defensively.
If Castellanos can put together a season as he had a year ago, there is a solid chance that at least one contender will come calling.
Shane Greene
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Shane Greene has been lights out so far in 2019 as he has picked up a save in each of the Tigers first eight victories of the season without allowing a single run. Now, I realize Greene cannot keep up this pace and that he will certainly come down to earth, but if he can have a solid first half of the season, he will be a hot commodity come the end of July.
Matthew Boyd
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Speaking of hot starts to the season, Tigers starter Matthew Boyd has been brilliant. Through his first three starts, Boyd has stuck out an American League-best 29 batters in 17.1 innings of work while posting a 2.60 ERA.
Like Greene, I do not expect Boyd to keep up this pace but I do expect his to continue to pitch well enough to get some looks as the trade deadline approaches.
