Detroit Tigers: Three Potential J.D. Martinez Trades

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Aug 14, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) watches a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Scenario #2 Tigers Trade J.D. Martinez and Anibal Sanchez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for starting pitcher Alex Wood, reliever Pedro Baez and infield prospect Willie Calhoun

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently employ Josh Reddick in right field, but his contract expires after the conclusion of the World Series. Should Reddick depart, it would leave some combination of Yasiel Puig, Alex Toles, Howie Kendrick, Andre Ethier and Enrique Hernandez as the only corner outfield options.

In other words, J.D. Martinez is a definite upgrade.

Detroit would also send Anibal Sanchez to the Dodgers in the hypothetical deal. If there was ever a team to take back a big contract as part of a trade, it would be Los Angeles. Because of this, Sanchez is added to the deal.

While the potential return is not as great as the proposed Phillies trade, getting out from under Sanchez’ contract would be a massive win for the Tigers.

Still there is a lot to like about the three players in this hypothetical trade.

Potential Return

Leading the way is Wood, a starting pitcher with four years of experience in the Majors and a 3.32 FIP to show for it.

The former Atlanta pitcher was excellent when on the field for the Dodgers this season, posting a 3.48 SIERA and 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings. What’s perhaps most intriguing about the 25-year-old is controllable through the 2019 campaign.

In addition to Wood, Pedro Baez is another player who can contribute right away. The controllable reliever (through 2020) owns a 3.37 FIP in 149 career innings. Baez seems to be turning a corner where strikeouts are concerned, with 10.3 punch outs per nine innings since the beginning of last year.

He could be a candidate to close if Francisco Rodriguez isn’t retained.

Last but not least is infield prospect Willie Calhoun. A fourth-round pick in 2015, the second baseman is coming off a season in 2016 where he hit 27 home runs and 25 doubles at the Double-A level.

Calhoun also plated 88 runs. What is perhaps most encouraging about the power hitting prospect is the fact that he struck out just 65 times in 560 plate appearances. With plenty of pop and a low strikeout rate, Calhoun could find considerable success with the Detroit Tigers.

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