Mize Trade Looms
Detroit Tigers Scratch Casey Mize from Start Amid Intense Trade Talks Before Deadline
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Key Points
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Mize was informed Thursday at the Tigers' team hotel in California that he would be scratched from Friday's start to be shielded during trade negotiations ahead of Monday's deadline.
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Detroit used a bullpen game in place of Mize, meaning the Tigers had to cover nine innings without one of their most dependable starters.
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Mize has been one of Detroit's best performers this season, posting a 2.70 ERA with 85 strikeouts and 19 walks over 86 innings in 16 starts, and he is set to hit free agency after the year, making him a top trade candidate.
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Mize voiced his mixed emotions about the situation, saying 'I love to compete' and acknowledging, 'Selfishly, I feel like I'm putting my team in a bad spot,' noting the decision wasn't his.
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There is growing speculation that Mize could be moved to a contending club before the Monday deadline, potentially alongside Tarik Skubal as part of impending roster changes for Detroit.
The Detroit Tigers scratched right-hander Casey Mize from his Friday start against the Athletics, citing trade negotiations ahead of Monday's MLB deadline. The move was not health-related — it was a deliberate step to protect Mize's value while talks with other teams intensify, according to Detroit Free Press.
Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, is having the best season of his career. He carries a 2.70 ERA with 85 strikeouts over 86 innings in 16 starts. He is set to hit free agency after this season, making him one of the most attractive arms available before the deadline, per Freedom 96.9.
Mize Learns of Scratch at Team Hotel in California
Mize found out Thursday — at the Tigers' team hotel in California — that he would not take the mound Friday. Detroit used a bullpen game in his place, forcing pitchers to cover all nine innings without one of their most dependable starters. The designation was listed as non-injury, a clear signal the decision was business, not health, according to Freedom 96.9.
Mize opened up about his mixed emotions after the news broke. 'I love to compete,' he said, according to Detroit Sports Nation. He added, 'Selfishly, I feel like I'm putting my team in a bad spot.' He acknowledged the decision was not his to make, and said he understands the team is trying to protect him during a fragile stretch of negotiations.
Mize Calls It a 'Weird Place' as Deadline Looms
Mize described his current situation as a 'weird place,' per Detroit Free Press. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch echoed that tension, noting the day-to-day volatility of deadline season and how hard these conversations are for everyone inside the clubhouse. Hinch said the team is navigating a fluid situation that could change at any hour before Monday's 6 p.m. ET cutoff.
It is still unclear whether Mize will make his next start Tuesday for Detroit in Seattle — or whether he will be pitching for an entirely different team by then. If no deal is reached before Monday's deadline, he is expected to slot back into the rotation as normal.
Skubal Trade Speculation Adds to Detroit Rotation Upheaval
Mize is not the only Tiger drawing heavy interest. Tarik Skubal, Detroit's ace, is also viewed as a potential trade chip before Monday. A deal involving either — or both — pitchers could dramatically reshape the Tigers' rotation heading into the second half, according to Detroit Free Press.
Detroit's approach mirrors a move the club made in 2024, when it delayed Jack Flaherty's start ahead of the trade deadline before ultimately dealing him. That precedent has sharpened speculation that Mize is heading out the door. Contending teams looking for rotation help have until Monday evening to make a move.
Tigers' Bullpen Absorbs the Load While Talks Play Out
With Mize out of Friday's game, Detroit leaned on its relief corps to get through nine innings against Oakland. Using a bullpen game is a real cost — relievers are taxed, and the strategy is harder to sustain over multiple days. It underscores how seriously Detroit is treating the deadline as a turning point for the franchise.
The Tigers have 19 walks against Mize's 85 strikeouts this season — a ratio that reflects elite command and control. That kind of performance, paired with free-agent status, gives Detroit significant leverage in talks. But it also means every day he doesn't pitch is a day of value left on the table, whether he stays or goes.
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