Detroit Tigers Rumors: Justin Wilson Drawing Interest
Detroit Tigers rumors season is here. With the Winter Meetings on the horizon, the offseason is in full swing. According to the latest report, Justin Wilson is of interest to teams.
Detroit Tigers rumors are already swirling as the calendar turns to December. Per the latest form veteran insider Jon Morosi, reliever Justin Wilson is drawing interest.
In a tweet on Thursday afternoon, the Fox Sports writer reported, “Among #Tigers trade candidates, Justin Wilson has received perhaps the largest number of inquiries. Many @MLB teams want LH bullpen help.”
With the Tigers looking to change this up this offseason to make the team more sustainable for the long term, it certainly isn’t surprising that they’re getting calls on their best players.
Despite a few rocky stretches, Wilson was one of Detroit’s best players at his position.
The left-hander finished tied with Shane Greene among all Tigers relievers with a 1.0 WAR.
Additionally, former Pirate also led the relief corps with 58.2 innings pitched while striking 9.97 batters per nine innings. Only Bruce Rondon totaled more punch outs per nine frames among Brad Ausmus’ full-time relievers.
Overall, it was a solid first season in Detroit for Wilson, who was acquired last offseason from the Yankees.
The Tigers sent pitchers Luis Cessa and Chad Green to the Bronx in order to bring Wilson to the Motor City.
Over his aforementioned 58.2 innings of work the reliever also posted some sparkling run-prevention stats.
His 4.14 ERA won’t jump off the page, but Wilson’s 3.18 FIP, 3.24 xFIP and 3.02 SIERA prove that he can be an impact pitcher out of the bullpen.
At just 29-years-old and controllable through 2018, the southpaw would certainly present value to other teams. However, by the same token, those two reasons could conceivably prompt Detroit to hang on to the reliever.
Even if players like J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler are dealt, Detroit still has a nucleus capable of contending. Keeping a relatively affordable Wilson around would help in that regard.
Potential Replacements
In the event of a potential Wilson trade, the Detroit Tigers would have a number of options to replace him towards the back end of the bullpen.
Bruce Rondon is a candidate for an expanded role next season regardless of the ex-Yankee’s place on the team. Should Wilson be dealt, Rondon could be leaned on even more heavily as Francisco Rodriguez’ primary setup man.
Elsewhere, Shane Greene could also help in a late-inning role. The reliever looked dominant at times and could continue to build upon his 2016 season that saw him pitch to a 2.96 FIP and a 3.21 SIERA.
Other candidates to help replace Justin Wilson include Alex Wilson, Blaine Hardy, Kyle Ryan and top prospect Joe Jimenez.
Anibal Sanchez (3.57 SIERA as a reliever in 2016) could also be a fit in relief if the Tigers are unable to find a trade partner or a place in the rotation for the veteran.
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