Detroit Tigers' Casey Mize Attracts Interest From Multiple MLB Clubs
The Tigers' right-hander Casey Mize, in a strong season, is drawing trade interest from the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Rays and Braves, while Detroit weighs options amid its rebuilding plans.
Detroit’s right-hand pitcher Casey Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, is in the final year of his contract and having his best major-league season. Over 86 2/3 innings he has posted a 2.70 ERA, a 24.9% strikeout rate and a 5.6% walk rate, while earning $6.15 million this year.
Reports indicate that the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves are monitoring Mize. The Braves, in particular, are seen as a likely destination according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Mize has spent time on the injured list twice this season due to right adductor strains, limiting his innings. He returned each time, and although his fastball velocity dipped to 91.9 mph in his most recent start, he limited Kansas City to one run over six innings.
Detroit has not started Mize recently, citing the uptick in trade interest and a desire to protect him from potential injury. The club could trade him, extend a qualifying offer, or retain him for the remainder of the season, depending on the value received and its playoff prospects.
"We feel healthy," Mize told the Tigers after his last appearance, according to team reports.
The Tigers are also expected to trade veteran starter Tarik Skubal for a substantial return, a move that would keep the franchise under the luxury-tax threshold and potentially allow a qualifying offer for Mize later in the season.