J.D. Martinez Trade Rumors: Tigers Discussing Deal with Diamondbacks, More Teams

The Detroit Tigers are continuing to include outfielder J.D. Martinez in trade talks, and while the Arizona Diamondbacks remain interested, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported a deal between the two teams isn't imminent.

Some speculated Martinez was on his way out of the Motor City after Alex Presley replaced him in the sixth inning of Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers announced he exited as a result of tightness in his lower back.

Martinez entered Monday batting .308 with 16 home runs, 39 RBI and a career-high .636 slugging percentage.

While he's one of their best sluggers, trading Martinez makes sense for the Tigers. They're 41-49, six games back of the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians.

The 29-year-old won't help Detroit much in the short term, and he's in the final year of his contract. With the franchise likely entering a rebuilding phase, spending the money necessary to re-sign Martinez wouldn't be the Tigers' best allocation of resources.

Meanwhile, the allure of acquiring Martinez is obvious for a contending team. He has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that his breakout 2014 campaign wasn't a fluke. His defensive value is minimal, but his work at the plate is enough to make him a major difference-maker in the stretch run.