Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsCurrently in third place in the AL Central with a record of 39-36, the Detroit Tigers have a bit of work to do in climbing back to the top of their division. Although the Tigers still have a very talented club, it would be quite interesting to see where they might be right now if they would have held on to one or more of the following five players. Of course, retaining some of these guys simply wasn't realistic, but it is still fun to wonder "what if."
5. Jason Grilli
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsIn the more than seven years since Jason Grilli last wore a Tigers uniform, he has been on quite a journey. He had a tremendous season with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2013, and he has been quite good for the Atlanta Braves this year, posting a 3.14 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP to go along with 21 saves. The Tigers could certainly use him as an eighth-inning guy right now.
4. Prince Fielder
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsAfter missing most of last season with a neck injury, Prince Fielder has returned with a bang this year, .348/.415/.532 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs. Of course, the Tigers defense probably isn't as good with Miguel Cabrera at third and Fielder at first, but they could use that kind of production from a left-handed hitter.
3. Jhonny Peralta
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY SportsAlthough the Tigers clearly have a top-notch shortstop in Jose Iglesias, Jhonny Peralta would look pretty good at third base right now. He and his .303/.362/.487 triple-slash would be a massive upgrade over Nick Castellanos.
2. Doug Fister
Brad Mills-USA TODAY SportsAlthough Doug Fister has spent some time on the DL this year and has only gone 3-3 with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP through nine starts, the Tigers could still use him in the rotation right now. Trading Fister after the 2013 season remains a rather unpopular move amongst most Tigers fans.
1. Max Scherzer
Brad Mills-USA TODAY SportsOut of all of the ex-Tigers who are currently still playing, Max Scherzer would give this team a bigger boost that any of them. It is hard to fault the Tigers for not giving him the $210 million deal the Washington Nationals gave him, but he has arguably established himself as the best pitcher in the entire game this season.
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