As the MLB trade deadline is approaching, the Detroit Tigers are in the market for more infield help. If the deadline doesn't prove fruitful, and the Tigers need to get creative with their infield addition, the New York Yankees recently made such a player available.

As Michael Brauner of Sports Illustrated writes, the Tigers could "benefit greatly" by adding former Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu as a depth piece in the infield. 

"For a young team trying to figure out how to take the next step as a franchise," Brauner writes, "Someone like LeMahieu would be a phenomenal presence in the clubhouse. He would also give A.J. Hinch another creative option when filling out his lineup every day."

What makes this potential pickup more interesting for Detroit is that it wouldn't cost anything. Now that LeMahieu is a free agent, the $90 million contract he signed won't belong to the Tigers if they pick him up.

Detroit could offer a smaller offer to bring LeMahieu in, as the Yankees are still on the hook for over $22 million in contract salary from LeMahieu's deal. The Tigers could bring in the veteran infielder for, essentially, nothing.

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He's a free agent due to his lackluster performance this season and his terrible 2024. He had -1.6 WAR on the year, and had an OPS of .527, by far the lowest of his MLB career in a full season.

But this season, he's been a bit better. While not great, his .674 OPS is decent enough that the Tigers could at least take a chance on bringing him in. The former three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger, and two-time Batting Title Champion would be an intriguing pickup for the Tigers.

It wouldn't be a huge investment, nor would the Tigers be committing to a long-term deal with LeMahieu. He would be a nice depth piece to have in case of an injury, or just to have as a veteran presence in the clubhouse.

This potential move wouldn't be a blockbuster, nor would it be franchise-altering. But, the Tigers could benefit from such a deal, as LeMahieu could be a nice pickup for both the infield depth and the veteran leadership in Detroit.

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