Detroit Tigers: Five Potential Destinations for Ian Kinsler
By Jason Reed
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
Staying out west, Kinsler could find himself on a different NL West ball club. After a disappointing year following a big offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks are under new management and likely are looking to make even bigger moves. Kinsler could serve as their big offseason splash, joining Paul Goldschmidt in chasing down the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kinsler would come in as the instant starter at second base. Jean Segura, the existing starter, may as well move back to his natural shortstop. Segura put up fantastic numbers last season, and for many flew under the radar as one of baseball’s best. Segura actually came 13th in MVP voting, batting .319 with 20 home runs and 33 stolen bases. Arizona may want to hold on to Segura, but Detroit may ask for him in return. If Arizona doesn’t want to deal Segura in order to get Kinsler, they must throw more minor league talent into the pot.
To make this deal work without sending off Segura, the Diamondbacks may take a hit to their farm system. The move itself likely isn’t the smartest for Arizona, but they showed last season they want to win now, trading away Dansby Swanson for bust Shelby Miller. Arizona does not have any prospects within the top 100, according to MLB.com. Therefore, Arizona is going to have to offer a whole lot of quantity. Socrates Brito, Anthony Banda, Alex Young, and Anfernee Grier may all have to go.
The smartest move for Arizona may as well be trading Segura along with other smaller big league talents to get Kinsler. Segura had a career year in 2016, and Arizona may be smarter to cash out on him now.