Detroit Tigers Rumors: Ian Kinsler on Angels’ and Mets’ radar

Despite all of the moves they made last summer, the Detroit Tigers still have a very attractive trade chip in Ian Kinsler. Teams are already reportedly showing interest.

Going into the offseason, many figured that there would be quite a bit of trade chatter surrounding Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler. There is still an argument for keeping Kinsler, but a deal involving the veteran second baseman appears to be a growing possibility.

Kinsler, of course, isn’t coming off of his best season. The four-time All-Star slashed only .236/.313/.412 (90 OPS+) through 139 games last year. Kinsler did, however, manage to hit 22 home runs.  He was also a Gold Glove finalist at second base, though the award ultimately went to Brian Dozier.

Kinsler, who was worth 2.4 fWAR last season, still provides terrific value at second base. He would present an upgrade for several teams. Plus, he isn’t at all far removed from a 2016 campaign in which he hit .288/.348/.484 (122 OPS+) with 28 homers and did win a Gold Glove award.

Suitors Emerging

According to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, the Los Angeles Angels have engaged in “extensive internal discussions” regarding a potential trade for Kinsler. According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, the New York Mets have asked about Kinsler, though he noted the talks have been “preliminary.”

In 2017, a combination of six players managed to hit only .206/.274/.327 at second base for the Angels. Kinsler could certainly help stabilize the position for Los Angeles. The Mets traded second baseman Neil Walker, who is now a free agent, to the Milwaukee Brewers last August. Kinsler could certainly help fill a hole for New York as well. It wouldn’t be shocking to see more teams begin to show interest, either.

Partial no-trade clause

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Kinsler is under contract through only next season at the cost of $11 million, per Baseball-Reference. Acquiring Kinsler would not be a multi-year commitment, and he is rather affordable from a financial standpoint.

However, one potential obstacle involving a trade might be his partial no-trade clause. Per Fenech, Kinsler has the ability to veto a trade to 10 different teams.

Given Kinsler’s age (he will be 36 in June) and the current state of the rebuilding Tigers, some have speculated that he might be more willing to waive his limited no-trade protection to land on a club that has a better chance of winning.

Kinsler has, however, indicated that he would also be willing to remain in Detroit, where he would continue being one of the club’s veteran leaders.

Next: San Diego Padres Mount Rushmore

In the coming weeks, one can imagine that there will be even more trade talk regarding the durable second baseman. It will be interesting to see if a deal might soon commence with the Detroit Tigers and one in need of Kinsler.