Why Tigers’ Casey Mize was ‘frustrated’ about scratch despite swirling trade rumors

The Detroit Tigers are preparing to sell at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Despite a good run in June and parts of July, Detroit has seen the writing on the wall. Before their game against the Athletics on Friday, the Tigers scratched Casey Mize from his start for trade-related purposes.

It’s an unfortunate turn of events for the Tigers, as many considered this team a playoff-caliber club before the season. Scratching Mize signals a punt on the year. And it also hasn’t sat well with the former first overall pick, either.

“I feel like I’m putting our team in a bad spot, even though it wasn’t my decision. This is not great for our team. So I’m a little frustrated, a little upset I’m not going to be able to compete for these guys,” the Tigers starter told Chris McCosky of The Detroit News before Friday’s game.

Mize never quite became the ace many envisioned when he went first overall in 2018. The 29-year-old has become quite the effective pitcher, though. This season, he has pitched to an impressive 2.70 ERA with 85 strikeouts to just 19 walks in 86.2 innings.

Detroit could certainly make a case to retain Mize, especially if they trade Tarik Skubal before the MLB trade deadline. However, Mize, like Skubal, is a free agent this winter.

It wasn’t long ago that the Tigers sold at the deadline before making a run at the postseason. Whether lightning can strike twice remains to be seen. Whatever happens, though, it’s clear this Detroit team will look different after August 3rd.

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