MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Players Detroit Tigers Need To Trade For By Start of 2015 Season

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By @Brad_Faber

5 Players Detroit Tigers Need To Trade For By Start of 2015 Season

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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason, the Detroit Tigers have once again shaken things up a bit. The newcomers this upcoming season will include Shane Greene, Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Wilson and Alfredo Simon. Players such as Torii Hunter, Rick Porcello and most likely Max Scherzer will be noticeably absent from the 2015 squad. Without further ado, here are five players the Tigers should still look to add via trade.

5. Tommy Hunter

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Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tommy Hunter

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Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

If one were asked to name the Tigers' biggest weakness in 2014, the bullpen would be a likely answer. Tigers relievers posted a 4.29 ERA last season, which ranked fourth-worst in MLB. Therefore, the Tigers should kick around the idea of asking the Baltimore Orioles about Tommy Hunter, even though the O's do not appear to be actively shopping him. Hunter has posted an ERA below 3.00 in each of the past two seasons.

4. Bartolo Colon

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Bartolo Colon

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Some Tigers fans are understandably concerned about what the rotation may look like without Porcello and Scherzer. Yes, they have David Price, Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez, Greene and Simon, but one guy they should still consider trading for is Bartolo Colon. Now in his early 40s, Colon proved in 2014 that he can still be a workhorse, throwing 202.1 innings with a 4.09 ERA (3.57 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP. He might flourish in Comerica Park.

3. Peter Bourjos

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Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Peter Bourjos

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Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Tigers have already acquired Anthony Gose from the Toronto Blue Jays to address their center field problem, it remains to be seen whether or not he can finally hit at the big league level. While St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Peter Bourjos is not known for his bat either, he did put together a rather respectable season with the stick for the Angels in 2011. The Tigers would be wise to keep tabs on his availability.

2. Ryan Sweeney

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Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan Sweeney

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Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from the switch-hitting Victor Martinez, the Tigers continue to be light on quality left-handed sticks. One guy Detroit should consider dealing for is Ryan Sweeney. Although he has battled injuries in recent years, Sweeney is a guy who has played all three outfield positions and owns a decent enough .276 lifetime BA and .333 career OBP. He could be a platoon outfielder if it is determined that Tyler Collins and Steven Moya are not ready.

1. Brett Cecil

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brett Cecil

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

A quality left-handed reliever was long rumored to be on the Tigers' wishlist this offseason. Last week they inked Tom Gorzelanny, who could very well turn out to be that guy. However, it is certainly fun to imagine what trading for Brett Cecil might look like. The southpaw posted a 2.70 ERA (2.34 FIP) with a very impressive 12.83 K/9 for the Blue Jays last season. The Tigers could use a bullpen ace like that.

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