Tigers' Frustrating Trade Angers Brave Fans as Deadline Looms

Scott Harris essentially cautioned Tiger supporters that they don't get overly enthusiastic about a major trade deadline shouldn't be too eager for a significant trade deadline avoid getting too worked up over a big trade deadline it's wise not to become too excited about a substantial trade deadline don't let yourself get too thrilled about a major trade deadline stay grounded and not too hopeful regarding a large-scale trade deadline keep expectations realistic when it comes to a notable trade deadline there's no reason to be excessively excited about a major trade deadline try not to get too carried away with the prospect of a significant trade deadline remain cautious instead of being overly optimistic about a key trade deadline so nobody can say they were taken aback or disappointed by Detroit's initial two deals of the trade deadline.

On Monday, Harris and the Tigers' management reached an agreement with the Twins involving starting pitcher Chris Paddack, who departed Minnesota having posted a 4.95 ERA, to take over from Reese Olson in the pitching staff. Paddack was able to deliver immediate value for Detroit, when He pitched for six innings and allowed just one run in his first game with the team. on Wednesday.

Such a transformation is clearly what the Tigers hope to get from their latest signing, veteran relief pitcher Rafael Montero. The Tigers announced the news themselves on Wednesday evening, which once again shows that Harris is an exceptional player who moves quietly without much fanfare (or) maybe No one was sufficiently interested in this specific transaction to be involved in the story.

Fans wouldn't have had much reason to fault the insiders if that were the case. Montero currently holds a 5.40 ERA this season after playing for both the Astros and Braves. The Tigers traded Double-A shortstop Jim Jarvis to Atlanta as part of the deal.

The Tigers acquire veteran closer Rafael Montero from the Braves through a trade.

Montero has often caused irritation among Braves supporters. Since the Astros sent him to Atlanta in return for money and a player yet to be determined (later identified as minor league pitcher Patrick Halligan), it's easy to understand their reasoning. The Astros had signed Montero to a three-year deal worth $34.5 million in 2023, but he has posted a 5.06 ERA over 144 innings since then.

A need highlighted for the Tigers has been a relief pitcher capable of striking out batters, a position which Montero technically fills ( kind of) meets expectations. He still maintains good strikeout and swing-and-miss percentages along with a solid 9.16 K/9, but he also has an undesirable 5.40 BB/9.

When Tiger supporters expressed their desire for a strikeout-oriented pitcher, they referred to David Bednar, Jhoan Duran, or Ryan Helsley. Two of these players have already been taken, and it would be unexpected if the Tigers had any interest in them. Bednar remains available, but it appears probable that Harris would... hesitate to agree with anything the Pirates are demanding from him Despite all the high payments made for effective relief pitchers.

This deal is essentially just extra depth for the relief pitching group... hopefully. Given how this unit has been playing recently, having Montero as one of the key midseason additions seems like it could be adding fuel to an already blazing blaze.

This piece was first released on as Tigers' move for a relief pitcher frustrates Brave supporters who dislike the deal as the trading deadline approaches .