As the Detroit Tigers prepare for the 2025 postseason, the team is targeting elite pitching reinforcements to strengthen their roster before the July 31 trade deadline. Focused on acquiring All-Star reliever David Bednar and controllable starter Mitch Keller, the Tigers aim to solidify both their bullpen and rotation for a sustained playoff push. This Mitch Keller Detroit Tigers trade strategy reflects the organization’s commitment to move beyond rebuilding and compete at a high level.
Detroit’s Current Roster Situation and Pitching Needs
Though Detroit boasts an explosive offense led by players with distinct styles, combined with Cy Young contender Tarik Skubal anchoring their starting rotation, concerns remain about bullpen reliability and lack of depth behind the ace. Without a dependable closer and a proven No. 2 starter, the team risks losing momentum in critical moments down the stretch. General Manager Scott Harris sees Bednar and Keller as key solutions to these gaps, offering the promise of both immediate impact and long-term value.
David Bednar’s Role as a Late-Inning Specialist
David Bednar, twice an All-Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is currently enjoying a strong 2025 season, recording 13 saves, a 2.53 ERA, and 45 strikeouts in 32 innings. His combination of a sharp cutter and fastball generates significant strikeout potential, making him an ideal weapon to protect leads during high-pressure late innings. Adding Bednar to Detroit’s bullpen—alongside Joe Jiménez and Alex Lange—would provide manager A.J. Hinch with a reliable closer the team has lacked.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Detroit’s asking price for Bednar would likely include promising utility prospect Colt Keith and catching prospect Thayron Liranzo. While these are valuable assets, the investment aligns with Detroit’s goal of constructing a roster capable of a deep postseason run.
“Twice an All-Star with the Pirates, Bednar is enjoying a renaissance in 2025, with 13 saves, a 2.53 ERA, and 45 strikeouts in 32 innings.” —Jeff Passan, ESPN
Mitch Keller as a Durable Mid-Rotation Starter
Mitch Keller, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher from Pittsburgh, could fill Detroit’s need for a steady No. 2 starter behind Skubal. Despite a 3-10 win-loss record, Keller’s underlying numbers tell a different story: a 3.64 ERA over 106.1 innings pitched with over 80 strikeouts demonstrates his consistency as a workhorse through more than 18 starts. His durability is a major asset, especially considering he remains under team control through 2028 at an affordable $15 million annual salary.
Keller’s ability to pitch deep into games can take pressure off the Tigers’ frontline arms, helping preserve their effectiveness for the postseason. Pittsburgh’s likely willingness to trade Keller amid their rebuild makes this a feasible acquisition for Detroit.
“Keller is 3-10, but a misleading win-loss record masks glimmers of excellence.” —Scott Harris, Detroit Tigers GM
How Bednar and Keller Fit into Detroit’s Bigger Picture
Both Bednar and Keller fill crucial roles that align perfectly with Detroit’s competitive philosophy. Bednar would shore up the bullpen’s most vulnerable parts in the late innings, while Keller would contribute significant innings in the rotation, reducing strain on the team’s top starters like Skubal, Casey Mize, and Reese Olson. These additions complement Detroit’s potent offensive lineup featuring talents like Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene, and Javier Báez, creating a balanced, playoff-ready team.
Though acquiring Bednar and Keller would require Detroit to part with high-value prospects such as Colt Keith and Thayron Liranzo, the team’s deep farm system can absorb these losses without jeopardizing its future. Furthermore, both players have multi-year contracts—Keller through 2028 and Bednar through 2026—offering stability beyond the current season.
“Bednar and Keller plug two precise needs: elite late-inning flexibility and rotation depth.” —A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager
Challenges and Strategic Considerations Before the Trade Deadline
Despite the appeal of Bednar and Keller, the Tigers face several challenges in pursuing these trades. The cost of mid-level prospects in exchange for both pitchers carries risks, especially compared to one-season rentals. Additionally, Detroit will still need a fourth starter behind Skubal, Keller, and Mize, potentially addressed through internal promotions or further acquisitions.
The competitive nature of the trade market also means Pittsburgh could drive up the price in a bidding war, possibly reducing Detroit’s leverage. The Tigers must tread carefully to maximize value while avoiding overcommitment on prospects.
“Pittsburgh could extract more in a bidding war, while the Tigers must ensure they don’t lose all leverage.” —Scott Harris, Detroit Tigers GM
Summary of Potential Trade Costs and Impact
The expected price for acquiring David Bednar includes utility prospect Colt Keith and catching prospect Thayron Liranzo, while Mitch Keller’s cost is likely mid-tier pitching prospects. While these are significant assets, the returns in improved pitching depth and postseason readiness could more than justify the expenditure.
Detroit’s current roster provides a strong foundation. Adding Bednar and Keller could be the catalyst that transforms the Tigers from contenders to serious postseason threats, bolstering both the bullpen and rotation at critical points of the season.
“Detroit is built. Now it’s about elevation. Bednar and Keller are the missing pieces, and could be the catalysts that turn a near-miss into a bullpen seal and deep October run.” —A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager