Detroit Tigers: Who will be dealt, and for what?
The stars are aligning for the Detroit Tigers to follow through on the rebuild they hinted at during the offseason. In the meantime, take a look at what the Tigers’ trading block might look like come next month.
We all watched with intrigued anticipation as the Detroit Tigers announced their plans to rebuild, willing to trade anyone on their roster to do so. As it turned out, the offseason came and went without any significant moves being made and the Tigers entered 2017 with nearly the same team they put on the field last year
Although nothing came of these rumors this winter, the time is drawing near for the Tigers to follow through on their plans to rebuild. In fact, according to Jon Morosi, we could see the Tigers open for business by the end of the month.
If #Tigers are still under .500 by end of June, sources say they'll revert to stance from November: All veterans will be available in trade.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 26, 2017
With only a quick glance at the standings, the Tigers do not appear to be a team in need of a rebuild. They are no way out of contention – merely 3.5 games out of first in the division – however, their 32-35 record reveals the problem. While the Tigers still hope to pass the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins for the AL Central pennant, they clearly are not equipped for a deep postseason run.
Their questionable success this season and whispers of a rebuild beginning to resurface begs the question: Who will be traded?
Justin Verlander
Since 2005, Justin Verlander has been the crown jewel of the rotation, but Detroit’s desire to rebuild throws his future with the Tigers into question.
Despite his weak start to the season, Verlander remains one of the predominant pitchers in the game. Putting aside a season shortened by strained triceps in 2015, Verlander recorded 10-plus victories each season since receiving the Rookie of the Year award in 2006. His best came in 2011 when he took home both the Cy Young and MVP honors with a 24-win season.
Thanks to his track record and success in 2016 (16-9, 3.04 ERA, 254 strikeouts), Verlander presents a tantalizing pitching piece that can help complete a rotation. The Tigers could reap the benefits of trading him to contenders such as the Houston Astros or New York Yankees, whose rotations are their weakest link.
Yet, his $76-million contract – that binds him through 2019 – might send potential suitors looking elsewhere. While shedding his salary would significantly decrease Detroit’s payroll, teams are becoming more cautious to exceed the luxury tax threshold that was recently changed with the renewed collective bargaining agreement.
Regardless of financial hesitations, Verlander’s worth as a consistent starter may prove enough to sway a contending team.
Miguel Cabrera
Another no-longer untouchable Tiger that could see himself traded after June is slugging first baseman Miguel Cabrera. That’s right Tigers fans. If the organization is true to their word, not even the two-time MVP and 11-time All Star is safe from the trading block.
In 54 games this season, Cabrera is going through what many call a slump by his standards. In the grand scheme of his career, his .281 batting average and six home runs this year are considered poor for Cabrera. Regardless, his numbers are the envy of his fellow ballplayers and the keystone to his trade value.
Following five years with the Florida Marlins, we saw what Cabrera’s talent is capable of bringing in when the Tigers traded for him in 2007. In return for Cabrera, the Tigers gave the Marlins six ballplayers, including Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin.
Clearly the Tigers liked what they saw during Cabrera’s five years with the Marlins and his numbers over the last five seasons are even better. As a Marlin, Cabrera posted a .313 batting average with his first 138 home runs in the major leagues. From 2012-16, Cabrera batted a raised .328 and hit 31 more home runs during that five-year span than he did in Florida.
Cabrera is signed through at least 2023 and is due to make $30 million per season from 2018-2021, then $32 million in 2022 and 2023. His contract also has a pair of vesting options that, well, vest, if he finishes in the top ten of the MVP voting in his age 40 and 41 seasons. There is still $184 million left to be paid to Cabrera, at the very least.
Ian Kinsler
Nearly 35-years-old, Ian Kinsler continues to be the model of consistency for the Tigers, both at the plate and on the field. Despite a strong showing in the World Baseball Classic, Kinsler is off to a slow start to the season, but still provides a beneficial trading option for both the Tigers and a potential suitor.
Kinsler began his career in 2006 with the Texas Rangers, where he became a three-time All-Star and reached the World Series twice. Kinsler went on to spend eight years in Texas and the Tigers traded for him in 2013 after seeing him bat .273 with a .349 OBP in a Ranger uniform.
Although he led the majors in errors committed in 2006-08 and 2012-13, he’s drastically improved his defensive worth since then joining the Tigers. With nine errors in 2016, Kinsler is the owner of only one error through 52 games this season.
If interested teams are at all concerned about his past defensive struggles or slow start to the season, his contract might ease their worries. Bound for free agency after 2018, Kinsler’s contract of $12 million is favorable for potential suitors.
J.D. Martinez
Similar to Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez is nearing the end of the contract he signed with the Tigers in 2014. Unlike Kinsler, Martinez is just 29-years-old and only seven years into what is looking to be a fantastic career.
Prior to coming into his own with the Tigers, Martinez spent three years with the Houston Astros from 2011-2013. After a strong rookie season, Martinez struggled through the next two years – batting .245 overall with 178 strikeouts – and the Astros eventually released him in 2013. Two days later, the Tigers signed him as a free agent and he has rewarded their faith.
Over his four years with the Tigers, Martinez owns an overall .301 batting average with 94 home runs and 272 RBI. After posting a career-high .315 batting average in 2014, Martinez earned his first All-Star nomination in 2015.
If traded, his new team adopts his inexpensive contract while the Tigers get something in return for him before he becomes too expensive. Given his success over recent years, the asking price for Martinez is sure to skyrocket past what the Tigers can afford.
Alex Avila
Following his share of struggles in 2016 with the Chicago White Sox, the Tigers gambled on Alex Avila to rebound with a one-year contract. Serving as the backup catcher to James McCann, Avila is rewarding the faith of his father’s team with a resurgent season that is boosting his trade value.
Just over 40 games into the season, Avila is batting .313 with 27 RBI. Avila’s 10 home runs this season puts him up with Justin Upton (13) and J.D. Martinez (11) as the only Tigers with double-digit homers.
At 30-years-old and nearing a decade in the major leagues, Avila is quickly moving past his prime behind the plate. However, his suitability as a part-time catcher patterns well with his steadiness at first base. With 36 games played at first since 2014, Avila holds a .995 fielding percentage, his only error coming in 2015.
Next: National League Rookie of the Year: Five early candidates
Granted, shedding Avila’s inexpensive contract will hardly make a dent in Detroit’s payroll. Furthermore, his track record, which has gradually fallen since his All-Star season in 2011, bods against Avila attracting a potential trade partner. Yet, Avila proves a safe trade and the Tigers hope to get whatever they can for him.