Tigers Trade Idea Gets $3 Million Phillies Outfielder For 1.00 ERA Relief Arm

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JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, the L.A. Weekly and dozens of other publications and he has received numerous awards and honors including three New England Press Association awards.

In connection with his work, Vankin has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC as well as hundreds of radio stations and podcasts.

Vankin in his wide-ranging career has also served as an editor of comic books and newspapers. He is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLING graphic novel GET JIRO! by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. He co-wrote the hit Off Broadway musical FOREVER DUSTY, and served as a sportswriter and editor at The Daily Yomiuri, the English-language edition of Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in Tokyo.

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The Detroit Tigers continue to cruise in the American League Central, winning 20 of their first 32 games ahead of a late contest in Anaheim, California, against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. The Bengals' .625 winning percentage is tops in the AL, and fourth in MLB.

But the Detroit outfield still has holes. The problem is not roster construction but injuries. Centerfielder Parker Meadows remains idle with a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. He currently sits on the 60-day injured list. Then there's Matt Vierling, who has yet to play this season with a rotator cuff strain.

Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 22, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated... Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The 28-year-old is finally set to begin a rehab stint at Triple-A Toledo over the weekend. Wenceel Perez is on the 60-day list with a back injury, and a fourth outfielder, Manuel Margot, has been out since April 8, finally joining Toldeo for a rehab assignment on Tuesday.

Clearly, the Tigers could use outfield reinforcements.

At the same time, the Philadelphia Phillies are searching for answers in their bullpen, which ranks 26th of the 30 MLB teams with a 4.70 ERA — a significant problem as the Phillies push to close the gap on the first-place New York Mets.

The Mets lead second-place Philadelphia by three games in the National League East.

One trade idea would address those problems for both teams.

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Unfortunately, the two players involved are both themselves injured. But neither injury is considered long-term.

The Phillies' Brandon Marsh is currently rehabbing a hamstring strain as he plays out his $3 million, one-year deal with Philly. But according to Fansided scribe Christopher Kline, Marsh "was an important cog in the Phillies' lineup a year ago, but he looks utterly lost at the plate right now — and it could leave him vulnerable to trade talks."

As Phillies head of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski attempts to bolster the bullpen, "Marsh feels like a logical bargaining chip once the deadline rolls around," per Kline's report.

The Tigers' bullpen on the other hand is a well-oiled machine, ranking fourth overall — and second in the AL — with a 2.69 ERA, and fourth in MLB with 10 saves (though four teams are tied for third with 11).

Detroit could move a reliever without taking a major hit to the bullpen corps. And in fact, eight-year veteran John Brebbia — signed as a free agent for $2.25 million — is not even currently in that bullpen, as he has been on the IL since April 19 with a triceps strain.

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But Brebbia starts his rehab on Saturday, if all goes according to plan, and is expected to have a short stay at Toledo.

Why would Brebbia be an attractive trade piece to Philadelphia? Before his injury, he had pitched a stellar nine innings allowing only one run, for an impressive ERA of 1.00.

In the Phillies bullpen, Matt Strahm boasts the lowest ERA at 3.00, with four earned runs, five total, allowed in 12 innings over 14 appearances — so Brebbia would be a clear upgrade assuming he can keep up his early pace after he comes off the IL.

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About the writer

JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon, the L.A. Weekly and dozens of other publications and he has received numerous awards and honors including three New England Press Association awards.

In connection with his work, Vankin has made numerous media appearances on such networks as CNN, CNBC, FOX, the BBC and the CBC as well as hundreds of radio stations and podcasts.

Vankin in his wide-ranging career has also served as an editor of comic books and newspapers. He is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLING graphic novel GET JIRO! by the late, great Anthony Bourdain. He co-wrote the hit Off Broadway musical FOREVER DUSTY, and served as a sportswriter and editor at The Daily Yomiuri, the English-language edition of Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun, in Tokyo.

Writers Page

JON VANKIN is a journalist and writer. He is the author of five nonfiction books and nine graphic novels. His ... Read more