MLB trade rumors: 5 prospects the Tigers should target

5. Luke Weaver

Last time the Tigers sold off, they were able to bring back multiple young arms that were knocking on the MLB door. That is the right way to go when attempting to minimize the length of the rebuild and get back into contention without a five-year plan. The St. Louis Cardinals are almost never sellers at the deadline, and they still have a few weeks to decide how aggressive they will be at the deadline.

The most obvious weakness the Cardinals must address is their lack of a legitimate power bat in the middle of the order. Matt Carpenter is a fine player, but not a franchise player. St. Louis has passed on several big names in free agency since losing Albert Pujols, and are still searching for a cleanup hitter to lead their offense.

The Cardinals have Luke Weaver waiting at Triple-A. The right-hander out of Florida State was a first-round pick in 2014 and has made quick work of the minor leagues. He reached the big leagues last year, but went 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA in nine games. Weaver is 21-10 in the minor leagues with a 1.88 ERA, so he does not have much more to prove down below.

If the Cardinals plan to become buyers, their focus should be on power, starting with J.D. Martinez. They will have to offer more than one prospect, but a young pitcher with upside to a number-two starter like Weaver is a good place to start.