Tigers Engage in Early Offseason Activity
The Detroit Tigers have completed trades with every Major League Baseball franchise, a history that is coming into focus as the offseason trade market heats up. The club has recorded 51 trades with the Baltimore Orioles and 41 with the Boston Red Sox, according to reports.
Detroit recently acquired a player from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations. This transaction signals an early push by the Tigers to add to the middle of their infield while they participate in free agency.
The team currently has more than 40 players on its roster and a handful of non-tender candidates. Detroit could be active on the trade market, particularly before the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Dec. 1.
Historical Transactions with AL East Rivals
The Tigers and the Boston Red Sox have completed 41 trades in franchise history, making Boston one of Detroit's most frequent trade partners. The two clubs have completed three trades since 2020. Earlier this season, Detroit sent Jahmai Jones to Boston and acquired Cheng a few days ago.
Past deals between the franchises include the Tigers trading Rick Porcello to Boston for Yoenis Cespedes, Gabe Speier, and Alex Wilson. In another transaction, the Red Sox sent Jose Iglesias to Detroit while Brayan Villarreal went to Boston.
The Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles have also engaged in significant history, having completed 51 trades together. The most recent trade between Detroit and Baltimore saw the team trade longtime catcher Jake Rogers to Baltimore for Zane Barnhart earlier this season. One notable deal in their shared history saw the Tigers send minor leaguer Brett Jacobson to Baltimore for Aubrey Huff.
Notable Swaps with National League Teams
The Atlanta Braves and Tigers have completed 38 deals over the years, establishing a long-standing connection. The most recent transaction between these franchises saw Detroit trade Jim Jarvis to Atlanta for Rafael Montero as part of the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline.
Among the franchises' most famous swaps was the deal that sent Doyle Alexander to Detroit for John Smoltz, a future Hall of Famer. This historic exchange remains a defining moment in the relationship between the two organizations.
The Cincinnati Reds and Tigers have completed 32 trades, with the last deal seeing Detroit acquire catcher Tucker Barnhart from Cincinnati for Nick Quintana in 2021. The Chicago Cubs have also been frequent partners, making a deal in 2023 that sent Zach McKinstry to Detroit while Carlos Guzman went to Chicago.
Earlier trades between Detroit and Chicago included the Tigers sending Nick Castellanos and cash to the Cubs for Paul Richan and Alex Lange. In another significant move, Detroit traded Alex Avila and Justin Wilson to Chicago for Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes, and cash.
Other League Connections
Detroit and the New York Yankees have completed two three-team trades since 2009, with the Arizona Diamondbacks involved in those transactions. The Tigers have made double-digit trades with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a franchise that has been in Major League Baseball since 1998.
The Colorado Rockies have completed just seven trades with the Tigers since joining Major League Baseball. The most recent of these came in 2024 when Detroit purchased PJ Poulin from Colorado.
In the American League West, the Athletics and Tigers have not made a trade since 2018. That transaction saw Mike Fiers traded to the Athletics for Nolan Blackwood and Logan Shore. Additionally, earlier this year, the Tigers purchased the contract of Jake Marisnick from the White Sox in May 2023.
A familiar deal between the Cleveland Guardians, formerly the Indians, and the Tigers saw Cleveland trade Jhonny Peralta and cash to Detroit for Giovanni Soto. These various transactions highlight the front office's willingness to engage with diverse teams across the league as they navigate the current offseason landscape.