RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesWith much of the baseball world focused on Tarik Skubal , another starting pitcher from the Detroit Tigers could be emerging as an appealing trade deadline option.
The Tigers scratched Casey Mize from his scheduled Friday start for non-injury reasons, a move widely viewed as a precautionary step before the MLB trade deadline on Monday, August 3. The former No. 1 overall pick is enjoying arguably the best season of his career, posting a 2.70 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 16 starts. He could be a valuable mid-rotation starter for contenders seeking pitching help.
Mize will be a free agent at the end of the season and, unlike Skubal, would come at a far more reasonable cost, making him a realistic target for a much broader group of contenders.
Here are the five teams that make the most sense if the Tigers decide to move Casey Mize.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have made it no secret that they are hungry and hunting for starting pitching. At 62-47 entering Friday, Chicago is in second place in the National League Central, 5½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers , but firmly entrenched in the NL's top wild-card spot.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves remain in control of the NL East, but their starting pitching depth behind ace Chris Sale is shaky. With Spencer Schwellenbach recovering from elbow surgery and Spencer Strider still sidelined, Mize would provide some stability beyond Bryce Elder. And team president Alex Anthopoulos has never been shy to make a big deal.
Philadelphia Phillies
It's win-now mode in Philly, and the team is clinging to an NL wild-card position at the moment. In order to solidify their postseason position, they need more starting pitching help for Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez. Mize would be a perfect fit in the middle of the rotation alongside Jesus Luzardo.
More: MLB trade deadline bold predictions: Skubal to Brewers, Cubs get coveted arm
Boston Red Sox
The only American League club on the list wasn't even a buyer going into the All-Star break. But a franchise-tying win streak of 15 games got the Red Sox back on the map, and they enter Friday at 57-51 and in the second wild-card spot. The rotation was delt a big blow by losing Garrett Crochet early on and has experienced inconsistencies outside of Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez. Mize would fit nicely as Boston's No. 3 for the duration of the season and the playoffs.
San Diego Padres
Michael King has been the only arm keeping the Padres afloat, yet they remain just two games back of an NL wild-card spot. Mize would put less strain on King and offer rotation depth without the cost attached to some of the market's top starting pitchers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Casey Mize landing spots: Where Tigers pitcher could land at MLB trade deadline
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