With the Detroit Tigers likely to become sellers in the upcoming trade window, the Pittsburgh Pirates could explore acquiring a power hitter like Kerry Carpenter. The Pirates have struggled to get consistent production from their designated hitter this season. They signed Marcell Ozuna with the expectation that he would provide some offensive punch, but he has fallen far short of those expectations. As of now, Ozuna is hitting just .573 OPS, with a 36th percentile xwOBA. The team is now relying on young players such as Jhostynxon Garcia and Esmerlyn Valdez to fill the gap left by Ryan O’Hearn’s absence and Ozuna’s underperformance. However, the Pirates have an opportunity to add a legitimate power threat this summer, potentially at a reasonable cost.
Kerry Carpenter Should Be a Pirates Trade Target
Kerry Carpenter has emerged as a sneaky source of power for the Tigers. Since his breakout in 2023, he has been one of the more consistent hitters in the league. Over his last 1,336 plate appearances, Carpenter has posted a .265/.321/.504 triple-slash line, with a .351 wOBA and 116 wRC+. In that span, he has hit 70 home runs, with a .239 isolated slugging percentage and a 12.5% barrel rate. While his walk rate is low (6.2%) and his strikeout rate is above average (25.1%), his power output has been impressive.
Carpenter has quietly become one of the best power hitters in baseball. Among batters with at least 1,000 plate appearances since 2023, he ranks 15th in ISO, surpassing notable names like Shea Langeliers (.233), Brent Rooker (.235), and even Bryce Harper (.226). His barrel rate of 12.5% is also among the top 46 in the league, outperforming All-Star sluggers such as Vlad Guerrero Jr. (11.8%), Elly De La Cruz (11.2%), and Freddie Freeman (10.5%).
Low Salary Makes Him a Fit for the Pirates
One of the key advantages of pursuing Carpenter is his affordability. He is currently earning just under $3.5 million this season. Next year will be his second year through arbitration, and even if his salary doubles, it would still be under $7 million. Given how much the Pirates spent on Marcell Ozuna last offseason, they should have the financial flexibility to make a move for Carpenter. Additionally, he will become a free agent after the 2028 season, making him a viable short-term target for a team looking to bolster its offense.
Some Red Flags Worth Noting
Despite his offensive production, there are some red flags associated with Carpenter. His defensive capabilities are not his strong suit. Over 1,983.1 innings in left and right field, he has recorded -6 defensive runs saved and -10 outs above average. While he has shown above-average arm strength, moving him out of the expansive outfield at Comerica Park could help improve his defense. However, he would likely share time in the outfield and DH duties with Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O’Hearn.
Another concern is his performance against left-handed pitching. Carpenter has a career .860 OPS against right-handed pitchers, but he struggles significantly against lefties, posting a meager .595 OPS. This could limit his versatility in certain matchups.
Carpenter also has a history of injuries. He has only played 120+ games in a single season once during his MLB career. He is currently on the injured list due to a left AC joint sprain, though the injury is not serious and is expected to heal quickly. He will begin rehabilitation soon and should return to action without long-term issues. Still, his injury history is a factor that teams must consider.
Final Thoughts
As of now, the Tigers are sitting at 22-35, 10.5 games out of their division and six games out of a Wild Card spot. While they were sellers in 2024 after a late-season surge, they moved several short-term pieces that year. With Carpenter controlled for two more full seasons after 2026, the Pirates could benefit from adding a player who can provide immediate power. Given the team’s need for offensive production, they should seriously consider reaching out to the Tigers about Carpenter this summer.
