Detroit Tigers trade deadline predictions for the 2017 season
By Tim Boyle
The expensive veterans stay put
One thing everyone wants to know is whether or not the Tigers will trade Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, or Ian Kinsler. These three core members of the franchise have been with the organization for the long haul. My prediction: they all stay in Detroit.
The biggest reason is obvious: money. Verlander, Cabrera, and Kinsler are quite costly. Only Kinsler is somewhat affordable, but he has not produced well enough this year for anyone to target him hard. The need across MLB for a veteran second baseman isn’t too great either. So, unless someone suffers an injury, destinations for Kinsler are extremely limited.
The Tigers will receive a few inquiries about Verlander. However, his huge contract and poor performance this year will drive the return down significantly. After narrowly winning the Cy Young Award last season, Verlander has fallen back to his 2014 ways when he posted an unusually high 4.54 ERA. At age 34 with two years of $28 million left on his contract, few teams will have any interest in him without the Tigers paying a significant sum of the deal.
As for Cabrera, there are many other cheaper first base options on the market. Although he can provide experience and leadership, his contract and declining numbers will keep him in Detroit.