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The Detroit Tigers are becoming one of the stories to watch this season after an electric start.
Through their first 35 games, the Tigers are 22-13 and hold the best record in the American League. Their rotation has been strong from top to bottom, and the offense is contributing consistently.
Tommy Kahnle has done well at the back end of the bullpen, but the Tigers could certainly use an addition to complement him and trade for Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.
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As our Zach Pressnell reported Monday afternoon, former baseball general manager Jim Bowden believes the Cardinals should look to move on from Helsley well before the trade deadline at the end of July.
The Tigers know high-leverage relievers will have be in high demand at the deadline, and it would likely take a considerable deal for the Cardinals to trade with them.
However, that doesn’t mean the Tigers should use that as an excuse to back down.
Here is what a potential trade could look like:
Melton would be the headliner going back to St. Louis in this trade. The 24-year-old right hander has recorded a 2.55 ERA in his first six starts at Double-A Erie as a member of the Tigers organization. He’s likely to reach Triple-A later in the season and a trade to the Cardinals could expedite that process.
As for Wilson, he’s more of a developmental project in his second season of professional baseball. The 20-year-old lefty signed with the Tigers right out of high school, so he will need to work through the minor leagues at his own pace as he continues to grow as an athlete.
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