5 Unexpected Trades the Detroit Tigers Could Pull off This Offseason
The Detroit Tigers were bundled out of the postseason last month with all of their warts exposed.
A combination of an impotent bullpen, a paper-thin bench and a paucity of left-handed bats condemned the Tigers to an early playoff exit.
The completion of the World Series means they can now begin the process of healing. Perhaps the trade market can provide just the right balm.
You could say that the Tigers have been partial to a trade or two in recent times. During the past year, team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski has brought Ian Kinsler and David Price to Motown via trades. Other current Tigers to have been acquired through team swaps include: Joakim Soria, Anibal Sanchez, Max Scherzer and Miguel Cabrera.
So, who might Detroit have its eyes on this offseason?
Firstly, we must establish who is available. Speculation already surrounds several teams that may be willing to deal their star players. The Braves could part ways with one of their stud outfielders, Jason Heyward or Justin Upton. Non-contenders like the Phillies and Padres may look to dump salaries and rebuild their clubs. Therefore, players like Cole Hamels and Tyson Ross could find themselves on the trading block.
In order to land some of the bigger names, Detroit will need to dangle some pretty significant carrots.
The expected return of Jose Iglesias could make Eugenio Suarez a potential trade piece. The Tigers also have good starting pitchers close to the majors (e.g. Robbie Ray and Buck Farmer), as well as further down their system (e.g. Kevin Ziomek and Austin Kubitza) who are all potential trade bait.
Detroit’s particular needs—combined with Dombrowski’s willingness to wheel and deal—should create a busy and unpredictable winter. Let’s now take a look at some of the players that he may now be taking a close look at.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats in this article are courtesy of fangraphs.
Jason Heyward
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Mark Bowman from mlb.com recently reported that the Braves are considering shopping around some of their talent, including their prized right fielder.
Heyward would be a terrific addition in Detroit from an offensive and defensive standpoint. Heyward’s outstanding glove work this year—including a league-leading 32 runs saved, per FanGraphs—earned him the 2014 Fielding Bible Award by a unanimous vote.
If acquired, Detroit could play the former first-round pick in center field, which would enable Rajai Davis to switch to a more favorable corner-outfield position.
On the offensive side, Heyward’s numbers weren’t quite as flattering this season: .271/.351/.384. However, at only 25, he should soon return to being the 20-20 man of the recent past, if not better. His lefty bat would also be a key piece in Detroit’s righty-dominant lineup.
Convincing Atlanta to trade Heyward will not be easy. But, if they decide to switch Evan Gattis to the outfield it could make somebody expendable.
Cole Hamels
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Take a moment to reflect on Madison Bumgarner’s dominance this past October...
Lefty Cole Hamels did a similar job for the Phillies in the postseason six years ago: 4-0, 1.80 ERA, 30 SO—per mlb.com.
He may not quite be Mad Bum, but he’s pretty darn good.
Since being Fall Classic MVP, Hamels has quietly kept up his elite performance level. In fact, according to Phillies prospect writer Matt Winkelman on Twitter, “From 2010 to 2014 Cole Hamels is second only to Clayton Kershaw in bWAR."
So, now that I’ve sold him, what are the Tigers’ chances of actually snagging him in a trade?
It’s a possibility. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports recently reported that the Phillies are interested in shopping him around. As for the Tigers, they always put their starting rotation first, and the uncertain futures of Scherzer (free agent) and David Price (free agent in 2015) could compel them to at least look at Hamels.
Before Tigers fans get too excited, there are some barriers. Firstly, Hamels’ no-trade clause—which can be changed—currently blocks any potential move to Detroit. Secondly, there will be plenty of competition from other big-spending suitors. And thirdly, the Phillies would be asking for plenty in return.
It would probably take a starting pitcher and some prospects to make their front office twitch. Perhaps Rick Porcello is a big piece that may entice them.
Another lockdown starter at the top of the rotation would be ideal for the Tigers. With the futures of Scherzer and Price both up in the air, why not shoot for Hamels?
Travis Snider
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The Pirates’ left-handed outfielder could be another answer to Detroit’s right-handed-heavy batting lineup.
Snider currently finds himself in a crowded outfield in Pittsburgh. The Pirates' talented contingent also includes Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison and Starling Marte.
If the Bucs consider Snider expendable, the Tigers should get on the horn. His offensive numbers are not eye-popping—his career slash line is .246/.310/.406. But he showed signs of breaking out in the second half of 2014. His line of .288/.356/.524 after the All-Star break speaks of bigger things to come.
The former Blue Jay could be a straight swap for Torii Hunter in right field, or again play in a platoon role for the Tigers. Snider may not be the all-around stud that Heyward is, but at only 26 years old, he could still morph into the player that many expected him to be when he debuted at just 20.
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Sean Doolittle
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As much as the Tigers have issues with left-handed bats, the same can be said about lefty relief pitchers.
Detroit has not had anybody dominant in this role for many years. It was hoped that Phil Coke could be that player, but it has never really materialised. Perhaps it could be Sean Doolittle.
The Athletics reliever became team closer early in 2014, and he took to the role like a duck to water. He was not only proficient at saving games (85 percent), but his strikeout-to-walk ratio was off the charts. His 11.13 ratio places him among an elite group of pitchers in the game’s history.
Oakland would be content keeping Doolittle but could be amenable to a tempting trade offer. Reports, per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser, suggest that Jed Lowrie could depart as a free agent, which would leave a void at shortstop. A package involving Suarez could stir the Athletics into action. Lefties Fernando Abad and Drew Pomeranz provide plenty of cover for the A’s if Doolittle does depart.
Overall, this deal is a long shot. But it would be the perfect answer to Detroit’s long-term problem if the Tigers can swing it.
Brett Cecil
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The Blue Jays southpaw is another player that the Tigers would love to have firing out of their bullpen. In 2014, Cecil’s FIP (Field Independent Pitching) mark of 2.34 and strikeout rate of 12.8 per nine innings placed him just below the game’s elite relievers.
Like the A’s, the Blue Jays have needs on the middle infield. The right package—including the Suarez carrot—could induce some serious chin-scratching in Toronto.
Whether it’s trading for somebody like Cecil or signing Andrew Miller, it is crucial that Detroit obtains a top left-handed reliever. The alternative will be giving the ball to Blaine Hardy or Ian Krol—neither of whom evokes much confidence in Detroit fans.
To talk baseball, hit me up on Twitter: @jdunc1979
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