Detroit Tigers: Three Mike Pelfrey Trade Ideas

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey hasn’t had the best start to the season—this much is true. Detroit has struggled to win many of his starts. Here are some trade ideas involving Pelfrey.

Detroit Tigers fans haven’t been thrilled with the Mike Pelfrey experiment so far this season. The former Met was signed to eat innings and provide a stabilizing rotation presence. That hasn’t exactly happened, as Pelfrey has struggled to keep runners off base.

In just 76.1 innings pitched, the veteran has allowed 103 hits and 53 runs. What’s more, he’s also walked 31 batters while only striking out 38. As it stands, the pitcher’s ERA is an unsightly 5.19.

A recent tweet from MLB.com’s Jason Beck stated that Daniel Norris will get the nod on Thursday, while Anibal Sanchez starts Saturday. The tweet also noted that Pelfrey’s scheduled start was pushed back to Tuesday.

Norris will be summoned from the minors, while Anibal Sanchez will step in from the bullpen. Should both show well, it might serve the Tigers better to have the duo fill in behind Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer and Jordan Zimmermann in the rotation. That could lead to Pelfrey being on the outside looking in.

His tendency to allow a high number of base runners—Pelfrey has allowed seven hits or more in nine starts this year—and low strikeout totals make him an unlikely fit for the bullpen. That could leave a trade as an option for Pelfrey.

Matt Boyd and Chad Bell could provide sufficient depth in the minors should the Tigers deal the 32-year-old.

Considering his struggles and the fact that he signed a two-year, $16 million contract before the season, Pelfrey won’t exactly be easy to move. However, stranger trades have happened.

Here are three trade ideas involving the Wichita State product.