After a disappointing finish to the regular season, it appears that changes will be coming to the Detroit Tigers this winter. Could their slugging right fielder possibly be on the move?
In 2016, the Detroit Tigers fought hard for a playoff spot, but ultimately came up a little bit short. General manager Al Avila has now promised that change is on the way.
Some interesting comments today from Tigers GM Al Avila, who said teams's current path is unsustainable. "Changes are coming."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) October 18, 2016
In the aftermath of Avila’s comments, many have begun to wonder which Tigers may soon be on the trading block. One of the names that has been coming up a lot lately is J.D. Martinez.
The now 29-year-old Martinez first came to the Tigers after being released by the Houston Astros in Spring Training of 2014. Since then, he has done nothing but mash. Martinez has hit a robust .299/.357/.540 (145 OPS+) during his time in a Tigers uniform.
Martinez has also hit at least 22 home runs in each of the past three years. However, in two of those seasons he played in 123 or fewer games. He began the 2014 season at Triple-A and spent time on the sidelines with an elbow injury this past season. He led the Tigers with 38 home runs in 2015.
Martinez, who signed a two-year, $18.5 million deal with the Tigers last offseason, will become a free agent after the 2017 campaign. It is also worth noting that Justin Upton can opt out of his contract at the end of next season as well, meaning both players could become free agents at that point. Some have already wondered how long the Tigers will be able to keep both players, especially when considering their other high-priced talent.
According to a recent article by Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, a new extension for Martinez now sounds unlikely:
"“I don’t foresee any talks of a long-term contract at this point,” Avila said. “In saying that, we’re going to keep an open mind in what possibilities come across this winter, this coming summer. I’m not going to rule out that we wouldn’t consider a long-term deal, but sitting here today, we’re not thinking that way right now. Can’t say we wouldn’t be thinking about that down the road.”"
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Trade speculation has now begun to intensify. Though he might only be a one-year rental, many clubs would surely be interested in adding Martinez’s bat. He has the ability to immediately bolster any team’s lineup. The slugger may be able to fetch an intriguing package of talent in return.
The Tigers have a couple of players who could replace Martinez in right field as well. Tyler Collins has spent parts of the past three seasons with the Tigers, and at the very least has shown he can be a solid part-time player. A better full-time option might be Steven Moya, who hit a combined 25 home runs between Triple-A and the majors in 2016. Questions remain about Moya’s defense, however.
Martinez has been a tremendous under-the-radar find. During his time with the Tigers, he has done nothing but produce. He has also become a fan favorite. Trading Martinez might indeed be a tough thing for many Tigers fans to swallow.
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That being said, based on the direction the team appears to be headed, it may also make a certain amount of sense. It will be interesting to see what ultimately happens, but in the meantime, rumors will likely continue to swirl.