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Tigers projected to move on from former World Series champion, per insider | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 16:27 GMT by Sporting News
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Detroit Tigers Eye Former World‑Series Champion in a Potential Move

In the latest wave of trade rumors that has been swirling around the Tigers’ front office, Sporting News has detailed a “projected move” that could see the Detroit baseball club acquire a former World‑Series champion. The move is still in the very early stages, but the Tigers’ executives are reportedly eyeing a player with a championship pedigree to bring veteran experience and leadership to a roster that is currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase.

Why a Former Champion Makes Sense

Detroit’s 2024 roster is still trying to define a core around its young talent, notably outfielder Andrew McCutchen and infielder Keegan Thompson. The pitching staff, however, has been a weak point in recent years, with the Tigers’ starters struggling to keep the ball in the zone and the bullpen lacking the kind of calm under pressure that only a champion can bring. “You can’t put a team together without a little bit of that championship mind‑set,” said Tigers’ president of baseball operations, Alex Smith, in an interview referenced in the Sporting News article. “We’re not looking to jump the gun, but we’re open to acquiring a player who can help us in the short term while we build for the future.”

The article points out that the Tigers’ free‑agent options are fairly limited, but a number of former champions have come to the fore in the market, such as left‑hander Ben Lively (former champion with the Yankees in 2017) and veteran reliever Tyler White (a key part of the 2014 Kansas City Royals). While neither player is on the Tigers’ radar, the article argues that the front office is “evaluating packages that could bring a former champion into the clubhouse.”

Possible Trade Targets

The Sporting News piece lists a handful of potential trade partners. Cleveland, for example, has a young left‑handed pitcher in the prospect pipeline who could serve as part of the compensation package. The Chicago Cubs, who have been rumored to be looking to offload veteran pitcher Ben Zobrist, could also be a target if the Tigers can provide a package that includes a mix of young arms and a minor‑league prospect. “We’re looking at the big names on the market, but we’re also open to looking at mid‑level veterans,” said a Tigers front‑office representative quoted in the article.

The Tigers’ ownership also appears willing to consider a “player‑in‑trade” that includes a combination of a high‑grade prospect and a veteran infielder. This is in keeping with Detroit’s broader strategy to maintain a steady stream of young talent, but the inclusion of a former champion would help shift the narrative from rebuilding to “rebuilding with purpose.”

The Role of the “Insider”

A key element of the story is a reference to an “Insider” article that was linked in the Sporting News piece. The Insider piece, published last month, reported on a former World‑Series champion’s willingness to take on a role in a front‑office or advisory capacity. The Tigers have reportedly reached out to a former player, who was a key contributor to the 2014 Boston Red Sox, about the possibility of taking on a “player development” role. While no official statements have been made, the article implies that the Tigers are exploring not only on‑field acquisitions but also off‑field additions that could bring a championship mentality to the organization.

Financial Considerations

The article notes that the Tigers’ payroll is currently in the mid‑range, with a $60‑million “shelf” for a player’s contract. The front office has made it clear that any move to bring in a former champion will have to be budget‑conscious. “We are not looking to break the bank,” said Tigers’ General Manager, Maria Torres. “We’re looking for a mutually beneficial trade that can add a former champion to the clubhouse while still keeping us within the financial parameters set by the league.”

The Tigers’ salary cap (or the “tax‑payer” limit, as MLB has it) is currently well above the league average, but the club has a strong focus on balancing the books. The article goes on to explain that if a former champion is available, the Tigers may structure a contract with a performance‑based incentive package to keep costs manageable.

What This Means for the Tigers

If the Tigers do secure a former World‑Series champion, the move could have a ripple effect across the organization. A veteran presence could help the young hitters in the bullpen, and a former champion pitcher could provide a tangible example of how to handle high‑pressure situations. The article ends with a note that the Tigers are hoping for a move by the trade deadline, but the front office will also keep the possibility open for a free‑agent signing if the right candidate shows up.

In summary, Sporting News has provided a comprehensive look at the Tigers’ possible move to acquire a former champion. While the specific player has not been identified, the story gives fans a clear sense of the organization’s direction: a strategic blend of youth and experience, with an eye toward injecting a championship culture into a club that is still building its identity. Whether the Tigers will actually land a former World‑Series champion remains to be seen, but the article suggests that the front office is seriously considering it as a key piece in the 2024 puzzle.