All-Star infielder who played with Framber Valdez emerging as trade target for Tigers

Apr 04, 2026 - 23:46

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Framber Valdez and Yuli Gurriel — (Getty Images)

All-Star infielder who played with Framber Valdez emerging as trade target for Tigers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez leading the way, the Detroit Tigers quietly have one of the best starting rotations in Major League Baseball at the top.

The Tigers' biggest problem continues to be on the offensive side of the baseball, and it's been somewhat of an issue early on this season, sitting at 2-4.

When the Tigers have been at their best over the past few years, they've been able to manufacture runs. There have been times when they've been able to do so this season, but they've also had a few rough showings on that side of the ball.

Instead of going out and adding a power bat this offseason, the Tigers didn't do what was needed. As a result, they'll need to do so at the trade deadline, and FanSided’s Austin Owens predicted that they would do so with Isaac Paredes.

“Pitching will always be a need for teams wanting to be taken seriously in October, but for a Tigers team led by Skubal and Framber Valdez, adding an accomplished position player may make more sense.

"Isaac Paredes is a two-time All-Star who can play multiple infield positions, but he appears to be blocked with the Houston Astros right now, with Christian Walker, Carlos Correa, Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve all everyday players when healthy. If Houston can't keep up in the AL West this summer, he's a logical trade candidate.”

Paredes, who has been in trade rumors over the past year, would be an excellent fit. He’s hitting .333 on the year with no home runs so far in 22 at-bats.