Detroit Tigers' Trade Deadline Moves Expose Roster Struggles Amid AL Central Decline

The Detroit Tigers are experiencing a significant collapse in the 2025 MLB season, losing a once commanding 15.5-game lead in the American League Central to the surging Cleveland Guardians, who are now just one game behind. This downturn has led to frustration among fans and criticism of the team's management, particularly President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris, whose trade deadline moves have largely backfired, including the recent designation for assignment of veteran pitcher Charlie Morton after a disappointing stint. Meanwhile, the Tigers released promising young reliever PJ Poulin, who has since thrived with the Washington Nationals, highlighting questionable roster decisions. The team's struggles have also opened the door for the Guardians to potentially face stronger postseason competition, including the New York Yankees. Despite some bright spots like former Yankees Gleyber Torres and Jahmai Jones performing well, the overall outlook for the Tigers remains bleak as they risk one of the worst playoff chase collapses in MLB history. Manager AJ Hinch acknowledged the difficulty in explaining the team's sudden free fall, underscoring the severity of the Tigers' slide.