Tigers’ outfielder J.D. Martinez is arguably the best bat on this year’s trade market. The problem is not too many teams are in need of corner outfielders. There are, however, at least four teams that could use him.
Trade season is upon us. Well, no big trades have occurred just yet, but it’s at least time to speculate. Starting pitching has been the talk so far. Sonny Gray, Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Yu Darvish are the headliners. The intrigue on the hitting side revolves around Jay Bruce, Andrew McCutchen, Jose Bautista, most of the Kansas City Royals, and most of the Detroit Tigers.
While the American League Central has been somewhat of a forgotten division in 2017, it does have the greatest entertainment potential this trade season. The Tigers may be the opening act. Detroit is filled with experienced veterans who have plenty left in the tank. Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler, Justin Upton, and even Miguel Cabrera could be on the move. One Tiger that will most certainly be headed out is outfielder J.D. Martinez.
There is no better time for the Detroit Tigers to cash in on J.D. Martinez than right now. Unlike the issue surrounding the other veterans, money is not a major deterrent for Martinez. The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract, with the Tigers are paying him just over $11 million. Though Martinez would be a rental, he’s proven he could be a very valuable rental. J.D. Martinez is slashing .294/.382/.634 with 13 home runs in just 178 plate appearances in 2017.
He would be among the league leaders in a number of offensive categories if he had enough at-bats to qualify. Martinez possesses the kind of bat that would be welcomed by any team. Frankly, not everyone team needs a bat, but there are four teams that could really use him.