Detroit Tigers: Identifying Three Ideal Trade Partners
Apr 27, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrate after the game at Comerica Park.Detroit won 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is looking to make the team more financially sustainable and younger. With marquee free agent signings a thing of the past, trades are more likely.
Detroit Tigers fans will likely see the team announce a few trades before all is said and done this offseason.
Al Avila is in the midst of paring down the team’s payroll while also injecting youth. The general manager has already made one trade so far, dealing center fielder Cameron Maybin to Anaheim for hard-throwing pitching prospect Victor Alcantara.
However, that isn’t likely to be the end of it.
J.D. Martinez, Francisco Rodriguez, Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe, Victor Martinez and Anibal Sanchez could all conceivably be moved this offseason.
In other words, change is in the air.
While key veterans like Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera seem unlikely to move, there will be some new faces on Detroit’s roster next season.
The team does need the youth that Avila is actively seeking, so next season will represent a new chapter for the Tigers.
Change can often be a good thing, especially if Detroit acquires some exciting young talent in trades for the likes of Martinez and Rodriguez.
In terms of prospects and respective needs, here are the ideal trading partners for the Detroit Tigers.
Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Trayce Thompson (21) rounds the bases after hitting a walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
#1 Los Angeles DodgersPotential Positions of Need: Outfield, Second Base, Closer, Third Base
The Los Angeles Dodgers pretty much check all the boxes in terms of ideal trade partners.
As it is, the National League West club could use another outfield bat to team with Joc Pederson. What’s more, an upgrade over Chase Utley and second base would also improve the club.
Los Angeles could be in the market for either a closer, third baseman or both depending on the free agent situations of Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner.
While Nick Castellanos isn’t going anywhere, the Tigers could match up with the Dodgers on trades at the other three positions. The additions of J.D. Martinez or Ian Kinsler would put Los Angeles’ lineup over the top, while Francisco Rodriguez would be a solid source of save sin the ninth inning.
Of the group, Martinez and Rodriguez are still the most likely to be traded, but Detroit could receive a premium return nonetheless from their National League counterparts.
Notable Dodgers Players and Prospects Who Could Appeal to the Detroit Tigers
Alex Wood, Starting Pitcher
Pedro Baez, Relief Pitcher
Trayce Thompson, Outfielder
Willie Calhoun, Second Baseman
Next: Trade Partner #2 San Francisco Giants
Oct 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik (12) forces out Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) for the first out of a double play to end the thirteenth inning during game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at AT&T Park. The San Francisco Giants won 6-5 in thirteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Partner #2 San Francisco GiantsPotential Positions of Need: Closer, Outfield
Like their National League West rivals, the San Francisco Giants could be a fit for a few current Tigers.
With Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez all becoming free agents, the Giants suddenly have a need at closer. Rodriguez would make sense in a potential move given San Francisco’s win-now strategy.
Elsewhere, Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco are also free agents, leaving a vacant outfield spot opposite Hunter Pence and Denard Span. J.D. Martinez is once again a fit.
Notable Giants Players and Prospects Who Could Appeal to the Detroit Tigers
Joe Panik, Second Baseman
Ray Black, Reliever
Chris Shaw, First Baseman
Chris Heston, Starting Pitcher
Next: Trade Partner #3 Houston Astros
Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) bats during a game against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Partner #3 Houston AstrosPotential Positions of Need: Center Field, Left Field
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but another team is a potential trade fit for J.D. Martinez. That team would be the Houston Astros, who (incidentally) used to employ the outfielder before he moved to Detroit.
The Astros would’ve been a fit for Cameron Maybin as well, prior to the veteran’s trade to Anaheim, as there are few proven commodities outside of George Springer in Houston’s outfield mix.
While Houston’s depth doesn’t make them a trade fit for the likes of Kinsler, Rodriguez or any of Detroit’s other trade chips, that same depth could benefit the Tigers.
Notable Astros Players and Prospects Who Could Appeal to the Detroit Tigers
Alex Bregman, Infielder
Lance McCullers, Starting Pitcher
Tyler White, Corner Infielder
Next: 5 Free Agent SP Tigers Should Sign
Michael Feliz, Relief Pitcher
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