Detroit Tigers: Possible Trade Destinations for Ian Kinsler
If the Detroit Tigers trade Ian Kinsler this offseason, which teams might want him?
The Detroit Tigers are expected to go into full fire sale mode this offseason. One of the moves they could make is a trade involving second baseman Ian Kinsler. In the twilight of his career, Kinsler could be on the move for only the second time in his very successful career.
Kinsler, 35, has one team option year remaining on his contract. The deal calls for $12 million or a $5 million buyout. Based on his performance, it’s a far better deal to pay this man his money rather than spend a lot of money for him to go away.
Considering the rebuild mode that the Tigers are in, trading Kinsler is one of their top priorities. This summer, Justin Verlander was dealt less than two minutes to midnight to the Houston Astros in August. Justin Upton met a similar fate, but with a little more time to spare. The Tigers traded him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
All that remains in Detroit right now are remnants of a once strong franchise. Miguel Cabrera is still there, and one of the tougher players to move with his hefty contract and declining skill set. Kinsler, though, with a favorable deal and only one year of commitment left is a far more desirable trade piece. His defensive skills have actually gotten better over the last two years. Although his offensive skills took a hit this year, Kinsler finished 2016 with very good numbers.
Kinsler is clearly heading toward the end of his career. Still sans World Series ring, Kinsler deserves one final shot at glory. Who could help him get there?
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
There’s a chance Kinsler returns to the American League West this offseason. He won’t reunite with the Texas Rangers or replace Jose Altuve in Houston. We also won’t see him play for the Oakland Athletics or usurp playing time from Robinson Cano. The only team in that division who could use Kinsler are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The Angels have many needs to address this offseason, and an upgrade at second base where they have received a production level 39% below league average, worst in the majors, is high on that list.
The Angels are going to need to start retaining some of their veterans to build a team capable of competing for a division title. Settling for the Wild Card during Mike Trout’s prime is not fair to the fans or players.
By adding Kinsler, the Angels will address a need they have had for a few years. Last year second base belonged primarily to Johnny Giavotella. This year, it was Danny Espinosa who ultimately lost the job. Ever since moving on from Howie Kendrick, it has been a position of need. Though they added Brandon Phillips for the 2017 stretch run, he’s a year older than Kinsler and will be a free agent this winter.
Kinsler would fit in very well with the Angels. As someone who could hit leadoff, he’d have a chance to bat in front of Trout and improve the overall lineup. Kinsler’s Gold Glove-caliber defense would also look amazing paired with shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Where the Angels may lack in some departments, near-perfect defense up the middle would get them over some of those shortcomings.
Los Angeles Dodgers
If it’s not the Angels, the other team in the Hollywood area may want Kinsler. The Los Angeles Dodgers already traded second base prospect Willie Calhoun to rent Yu Darvish. They are probably prepared to move on from Logan Forsythe after the season ends, batting .226 this season and having an $8.5 million team option on the table.
This leaves them with a hole at second base. Is Kinsler the guy to fill it?
The Dodgers searched long and hard for a second base solution last winter. Many of the trade talks involved Kinsler, but just as many included Minnesota Twins’ second baseman, Brian Dozier. Due to this, the Tigers may have some competition when it comes to trading Kinsler to the Dodgers.
Kinsler would fit in well with the Dodgers. Heck, there isn’t a team out there with a need at second base that he wouldn’t do well with. Kinsler’s right-handed bat would be especially helpful to the Dodgers who this season are a little overloaded with lefties. His veteran presence and experience in the playoffs would also benefit a Dodgers roster with many young players. Kinsler’s ability to hit anywhere from the top to the bottom of the lineup would round out the roster incredibly well.
The Dodgers may not have the same number or even the level of prospects they did before this year’s most recent trade deadline. However, with the Tigers desperate to move Kinsler for something, it may only take one or two recognizable names to get the deal done.
Milwaukee Brewers
Neil Walker is a free agent after 2017 and the Milwaukee Brewers’ commitment to a second baseman long-term doesn’t seem to make too much sense. They already have youngsters Jonathan Villar and Orlando Arcia up the middle among their options for second base in 2018. As a team on the rise that’s regarded as a smaller market franchise, it’s not logical to lock Walker in long-term.
Instead, Milwaukee could pursue Kinsler and take advantage of the one year left on his deal. It would be a move similar to what they did in 2017 with Walker, except they would have him for a full year.
After mistakenly moving on from Scooter Gennett, the Brewers suffered through a poor offensive season from Villar. His 2016 performance made it look like they could rely on him this year. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out well and they were forced into making a trade with the New York Mets for Walker.
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Kinsler’s contract is affordable enough for a team like the Brewers hoping to find bargains. They also have one of the best farm teams in baseball. Their ability to sacrifice a prospect without missing a beat in the minor league system gives them a great advantage over many other MLB teams who could have Kinsler on their offseason trade radar.