2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Tigers Interested in Martin Prado

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports is reporting that the Detroit Tigers are interested in Atlanta Braves’ second baseman Martin Prado.  Prado’s name has already surfaced in trade rumors this offseason, as he’s been tied to Colorado Rockies.

Detroit has a definite need at second base, and with Aaron Hill reaching an agreement with the Diamondbacks, the free agent market is fairly barren.

Before his down year in 2011, Prado had been solid for the Braves over the past several seasons.  From 2008-2010, Prado finished with season OPS’s north of .800 and has a career OBP of .341.  Unfortunately for Prado, the Braves already have an everyday second baseman in Dan Uggla.  When you put Prado’s bat in one of the corner outfield positions, it doesn’t play nearly as well as it does at second.

For this reason it makes sense for the Braves to look to cash in on Prado during a weak free agency period.  Colorado has already shown interest in Prado, and the Rockies would also be looking to use the 28-year-old at second.

In return for Prado, the Braves are asking for outfielders.  Atlanta is known to be in the market for either a power corner outfield bat or a young center field prospect that could replace Michael Bourn if the club elects to let him walk after next season.  During discussions with the Rockies, the Braves are believed to have brought up outfielder Seth Smith along with young center fielder Charlie Blackmon.

According to Morosi, the Tigers are saying that outfielder Delmon Young is available for the right second baseman.  Young came over to Detroit last August and could appeal to the Braves as a potential corner outfielder.  Young has shown that he possesses some pop, as the 26-year-old hit 46 doubles and 21 home runs in 2010.

Regardless of if the Tigers and Braves are able to lineup on a Prado trade, Morosi believes it shouldn’t be difficult for Detroit to move Young this offseason.

For more on the Tigers, be sure to check out Motor City Bengals.