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MLB Rumors, All-Star Game edition: Shohei Ohtani, Marcus Stroman, Michael Lorenzen trade fits

By Cody Williams

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 11: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts during the first inning of the 93rd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park on July 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 11: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts during the first inning of the 93rd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park on July 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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MLB Rumors, Michael Lorenzen trade fit
Jul 11, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; American League pitcher Michael Lorenzen of the Detroit Tigers (21) practices before the game at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Rumors: Best Michael Lorenzen trade fit – Cincinnati Reds

Though he’s far from a superstar, it’s hard to not be impressed with the work that Detroit Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen has put forth this season in order to earn an All-Star Game selection. In 15 starts, the veteran right-hander has posted a 4.03 ERA and 1.14 WHIP this season in Detroit. He hasn’t been exceptional by any stretch, but he’s been a good starter that could help a contender in the middle or back end of the rotation.

Detroit, obviously, is not a contender. Sure, they’re only 5.5 games back of the AL Central lead because of how dismal the division is, but the club is 11 games under .500 coming into the break.

Moreover, MLB insider Jon Heyman recently listed Lorenzen with an 80% chance of getting traded at the deadline, which makes sense as he’s on just a one-year deal with the Tigers and the organization would be better off landing at least some value and assets in a trade than just hanging onto him.

And a team that could use him in a big way is the upstart Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds, who surged into the summer to take a one-game lead in the NL Central at 50-41 are one of the most exciting and fun teams in baseball, most notably with Elly De La Cruz now in the majors. But their starting pitching is both young and being tested, particularly with injuries to Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo.

Even when that duo of hurlers returns, the Reds could use a veteran in the middle of the rotation as a stabilzing force for a young group that has performed well, but could potentially see some roadbloacks down the stretch and through the upcoming dog days. Even better, Cincinnati is stocked with a ton of prospects that could easily sway the Tigers while the Reds try to make a big push.

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