5 Hypothetical Trades The Detroit Tigers Could Make At The Deadline

Now sitting nine games back of the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central with a record of 44-44, the Detroit Tigers are not exactly where most fans hoped that they would be at this point in time. That said, it appears that they are not ready to wave the white flag just yet, as they are still very much alive in the AL Wild Card race. Many have rightfully questioned the Tigers' trade chips, or lack thereof, but it is never easy to guess what GM Dave Dombrowski has up his sleeve. So, on that note, here are five hypothetical trade scenarios the Tigers could explore if they do indeed decide to become buyers once again.

5. Trade Drew VerHagen And Dixon Machado To San Diego Padres For Joaquin Benoit

Now in his second year with the San Diego Padres, Joaquin Benoit is having yet another solid campaign, boasting a 2.39 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. Benoit is signed through this season with an $8 million option for next year, and he would be an excellent addition to the Tigers' ever-maligned bullpen. He also, of course, pitched for Detroit between 2011-13, so he is certainly familiar with the organization. Pitching prospect Drew VerHagen and infield prospect Dixon Machado may be enough to pique the Padres' interest.

4. Trade Angel Nesbitt And A Player To Be Named Later To Oakland Athletics For Tyler Clippard

Since coming to the Oakland Atheltics in a trade with the Washington Nationals over the offseason, Tyler Clippard has been spectacular, posting a 2.43 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP with 17 saves in 19 opportunities. With the Tigers' bullpen now ranking 25th in the majors with a 3.97 ERA, Clippard may be exactly what they need. Trading Angel Nesbitt and a PTBNL would be a steep price for a rental player, but it might be worth it.

3. Trade Shane Greene And Tyler Collins To Cincinnati Reds For Mike Leake

Aside from David Price, the Tigers' starting rotation has largely been a disaster this season, posting a 4.48 ERA which ranks 25th in the majors. One guy who could help the Tigers out is Mike Leake, as he would give them the No. 3 or No. 4 starter they desperately need right now. Yet another rental player, the Tigers would need to decide how much they would be willing to give up for what could only be a short-term solution. Although Shane Greene has indeed struggled recently, the fact that he started out so hot out of the gate and won't be eligible for free agency until 2021 could make him an attractive trade chip. Tyler Collins, who is currently in Triple-A Toledo, could give the Reds a promising corner outfielder with some pop in his bat. Perhaps the Tigers could dangle LHP Kyle Ryan out there as well.

2. Trade Kevin Ziomek, Jefry Marte And A Player To Be Named Later To Miami Marlins For Dan Haren

After reportedly considering retirement over pitching away from his native West Coast, Dan Haren has surprisingly been having a resurgent season with the Miami Marlins, going 7-5 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. An extreme fly ball pitcher (48.3 percent this year), Haren could thrive in spacious Comerica Park -- especially with the Tigers' vastly improved defense. Pitching prospect Kevin Ziomek, Jefry Marte and a PTBNL would be a steep price, but in the past, the Tigers trades with the Marlins have typically turned out well. Like Clippard and Leake, Haren will also be a free agent at season's end.

1. Trade Buck Farmer, Steven Moya, Derek Hill And Austin Kubitza To San Diego Padres For James Shields

Due to the San Diego Padres' underwhelming season, an interesting name has now popped up in trade rumors: James Shields. The now 33-year-old Shields, who was signed to a four-year, $75 million deal with an option for 2019 over the offseason, may not be having his best year from an ERA standpoint, but his K/9 is up at 10.11, and he is sporting a 3.30 xFIP. A friend of Price's from their days with the Tampa Bay Rays, Shields might be a great fit with the Tigers. Of course, acquiring Shields would probably cause the Tigers to dig deep into their already-diminished farm system and names such as Buck Farmer, Steven Moya, Derek Hill, Austin Kubitza and others may come up. If the Tigers play their cards right, however, perhaps they could get Shields and Benoit in the same deal.