MLB: Next Big Names To Be Dealt
By Jason Reed
Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler, and/or J.D. Martinez
Since all three men are members of the Detroit Tigers, it would seem excessive to give each their own slide. With the Detroit Tigers wanting to take the franchise a different direction, all three men have been mentioned in trade talk in one way or another. While I find it highly unlikely that the Tigers deal all three men, it seems almost guaranteed that one or two of them will depart from Detroit.
The most likely of the three to be dealt, in my opinion, would be Ian Kinsler. There are several teams that have a hole at second base that can afford the four-time all-star. Most notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a seemingly massive hole at second base, the Dodgers have the farm to get this deal done. Sending young talents such as Jose De Leon and Willie Calhoun along with a big league established arm such as Alex Wood may get this deal done. The Dodgers can avoid moving Julio Urias, and fill their second base hole through 2018.
As for Verlander, the Dodgers have also been rumored to be in talks for. However, a move that makes more sense would be to send Verlander off to Houston. It has been noted that Houston is attempting to bolster their bats to trade for an elite pitcher. Trading away George Springer with an arm such as Mike Fiers could lure Verlander to Houston.
As for Martinez, the Giants have been the top candidate to acquire his talents. However, with very little trade chips outside of Christian Arroyo or Tyler Beede, the Giants may be unlikely to acquire Martinez. With a contract that doesn’t significantly hurt the Tigers, Martinez seems to be the least likely to be moved.