The Detroit Tigers appear to be at a crossroads, facing an offseason that could signify the beginning of a full-scale organizational reset. After years of trying to remain competitive while simultaneously shaping a roster capable of long-term success, Detroit now seems ready to make difficult decisions — choices that could include parting ways with some of their most recognizable and productive players. Central to the talks surrounding this potential teardown is Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.
His name has surfaced repeatedly in trade speculation, and many analysts believe he could be the first major domino to fall. If the Tigers decide to aggressively cut payroll and reshape their roster through younger talent, trading Skubal may be the boldest and clearest signal that the franchise is ready to start over, even after he emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.
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But Skubal might not be the only headline departure. Detroit’s All-Star second baseman, Gleyber Torres, could also be on his way out. Torres, who joined the Tigers to give the lineup another established bat and help stabilize the infield, is approaching free agency. With his contract situation unresolved, there is a growing sense that he may not be part of Detroit’s long-term plans — especially if the organization is committed to tightening its payroll and redistributing financial resources.
Torres has shown he can produce offensively and deliver in key moments, but his market value has risen, and his performance has positioned him for a lucrative multi-year deal. The Tigers may not have the appetite to match what he will command in free agency, especially when their front office seems increasingly focused on efficient roster construction and preserving long-term payroll flexibility.
If Torres walks this offseason, the Tigers will not only lose a productive hitter but also create an immediate vacancy at second base. While internal options exist within Detroit’s system, the team lacks a clear everyday replacement who combines high-level contact skills, plate discipline, and defensive reliability. Because of that, attention has shifted to the trade market — particularly toward St. Louis, where another All-Star second baseman has drawn interest: Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals.
According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the Tigers are among the most logical suitors for Donovan. Adams argues that Donovan fits the profile of exactly what the Tigers are trying to build: a player who brings versatility, plate discipline, and a high-contact, low-strikeout approach that Detroit’s baseball operations department has been explicitly trying to emphasize. Adams notes that Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has publicly stated his desire to reduce the team’s strikeout tendencies.
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That is where Donovan becomes an especially attractive target. He consistently puts the ball in play, rarely looks overmatched at the plate, and has the ability to play multiple positions at a high level — including second base, third base, and corner outfield spots. This type of versatility gives teams flexibility when structuring their daily lineup or adjusting to injuries, slumps, or strategic matchups.
Adams highlighted these reasons in his report, stating that Donovan’s consistent contact, his affordable salary, and his ability to play several defensive positions make him a nearly universal fit for any team hoping to contend. In his view, Detroit stands out specifically because Harris has repeatedly stressed reducing swing-and-miss issues, and the possibility of losing Torres only amplifies the need for a dependable second baseman. Donovan checks every box the Tigers are trying to fill — he is inexpensive, he fits Detroit’s preferred offensive profile, and he offers defensive value beyond just one position.
Donovan’s offensive production in the most recent season further elevates his appeal. In 118 games, he delivered an impressive .287/.353/.422/.775 slash line. He collected 32 doubles, belted 10 home runs, and drove in 52 runs. Those numbers reflect a hitter who consistently generates solid contact and contributes confidently throughout the lineup. Donovan also received his first career All-Star selection, serving as the Cardinals’ lone representative, which shows how well-regarded he has become around the league. Even with the Cardinals experiencing a down year, Donovan’s individual performance stood out and earned national recognition.
Financially, Donovan’s contract situation makes him even more attractive to Detroit. He is projected to earn about $5.4 million next season — a remarkably low cost for an All-Star level player with years of team control remaining. By contrast, Torres is expected to seek a deal that could approach or exceed $15 million annually. For a Tigers front office actively exploring ways to streamline payroll, the difference between the two salaries is significant. Detroit could replace Torres with Donovan and not only avoid a drop in production but potentially add more lineup versatility, better bat-to-ball skills, and greater long-term control — all while reducing payroll.
This type of cost efficiency aligns closely with what the Tigers seem to be prioritizing. If management is serious about examining every contract and identifying opportunities to build a younger and more controllable roster, acquiring Donovan represents a more sustainable approach. He offers production and upside without the financial commitment that comes with signing Torres to a major free-agent contract.
Meanwhile, a trade centered around Donovan could be equally beneficial for the Cardinals. St. Louis has reached an inflection point similar to Detroit’s: their roster has become unbalanced, and they need to address long-term planning more aggressively. Trading Donovan would hurt in the short term, considering his production, popularity, and versatility. However, the return for a player of his caliber would likely be substantial and might allow the Cardinals to acquire high-end prospects or young pitching — assets they desperately need if they intend to pursue a quicker turnaround and build a more competitive core.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, this type of trade would accelerate their rebuild by infusing the organization with young, controllable talent. Instead of trying to retool around the same core that has struggled to contend, St. Louis could use Donovan to jump-start a broader restructuring effort. The move would send a clear message: the team is committed to reorganizing its roster with a long view instead of patching holes with temporary solutions.
READ MORE: Understand Cardinals fully commit, put $2.85 million All-Star on trade block
Because of these dynamics, a Donovan-to-Detroit trade presents a scenario where both teams could walk away satisfied. The Tigers get the kind of player who supports their evolving offensive identity and gives them an affordable replacement for Torres. The Cardinals get the young talent needed to rebuild from within, positioning themselves for a future competitive window.
If the Tigers truly plan to reshape their roster and reduce payroll, they need to be proactive — and a potential trade involving Donovan should be among the first calls they make. Detroit cannot hold off important decisions, especially if they plan to move elite assets like Skubal. Prolonging the uncertainty could reduce leverage or increase competition from other teams pursuing Donovan. Acting decisively — picking up the phone, engaging St. Louis early, and presenting an attractive offer — could allow Detroit to set the pace of the offseason and avoid being forced into desperation later.
In short, Detroit’s situation comes down to commitment. If they are willing to follow through on this restructuring, swapping a high-salary impending free agent for a younger, more affordable All-Star who fits their desired offensive direction appears to be the smartest possible move. And for St. Louis, being willing to trade a fan favorite like Donovan could be the bold step required to reset their roster and focus on their next era of competition.
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