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Detroit Tigers: Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe May Have More Trade Value in Season

By Ben Rosener |
Jul 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee (52) talks to catcher James McCann (34) and starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee (52) talks to catcher James McCann (34) and starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 27, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers player Mark Lowe during media photo day at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers player Mark Lowe during media photo day at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is looking to change the team, seeking a younger and more financially-sustainable roster. Detroit could move Mike Pelfrey and Mark Lowe in the regular season.

Detroit Tigers pitchers Mike Pelfrey and Mark Lowe both struggled mightily in 2016 for Brad Ausmus’ team.

Both were signed as free agents last offseason to improve Detroit’s pitching staff.

However, things didn’t exactly go as planned.

Pelfrey simply allowed too many base runners en route to posting a 5.15 FIP and a 5.25 SIERA. The starter’s 6.6 swinging strike percentage also left much to be desired.

What’s more, the former New York Met also put up a 1.73 WHIP. That number that led all starting pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched.

Meanwhile in the bullpen, Lowe was tagged for a similarly-high 1.58 WHIP.  His 5.66 FIP was the fourth-highest among qualified relievers. Among the same group of relievers, only Brett Oberholtzer allowed more home runs per nine frames than Lowe last season.

Per Spotrac, Pelfrey will earn $8 million next season before seeing his contract expire. Lowe’s contract calls for a $5.5 million salary in 2017.

With Detroit looking to shed payroll, dealing Pelfrey and Lowe would certainly help the long-term outlook of the team.

However, there may be challenges in dealing the duo in the offseason. Despite being on expiring contracts, other franchises may not want to take fliers on Pelfrey or Lowe’s relatively high salaries.

The Tigers could conceivably move either in bigger trades involving one of the team’s top trade chips, like J.D. Martinez. While that could work, it might also lessen the premium return the Tigers would receive.

Here’s why the Detroit Tigers could trade Mark Lowe and Mike Pelfrey during the regular season.

Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) throws a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) throws a pitch during the seventh inning in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Similar Deals

In terms of previous deal, there have been plenty of examples of teams moving sizeable salaries on short contracts in trades.

Just recently in August, New York and Pittsburgh swapped a couple of struggling pitchers. The Mets sent reliever Antonio Bastardo to Pittsburgh for former Mets starter Jon Niese.

Bastardo had logged a 5.07 FIP in 43.2 innings for New York, while Niese’s FIP wasn’t that encouraging either. In 110 innings for Pittsburgh, the starter posted a 5.37 FIP.

Additionally, at last season’s trade deadline, the Pirates and Dodgers traded struggling outfielders in a trade that saw Michael Morse and Jose Tabata switch places.

Benoit for Storen

However, perhaps the most prominent example of previous deal involved the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. Seattle dealt former Tigers reliever Joaquin Benoit to Toronto for ex-Nationals closer Drew Storen.

In a swap of struggling relievers on contending teams, both Benoit and Storen rebounded nicely after changing uniforms and cities.

The generally dependable Benoit saw his ERA balloon to 5.18 in the Pacific Northwest before allowing just one run in 23.2 innings for Toronto down the stretch.

Storen came with a similarly strong track record before last season. However, like Benoit he struggled. The reliever posted a 6.21 ERA and a 5.01 FIP in 33.1 innings pitching in a Toronto uniform.

Once he was dealt to Seattle, Storen rebounded with a 3.44 ERA and a 2.77 FIP in 18.1 innings as a Mariner.

Detroit could move Pelfrey or Lowe in a similar type of deal for a starter or reliever on an expiring contract.

Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) celebrates with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) celebrates with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Rebound Seasons Make Trades Much More Doable

This is all without mentioning the fact that one or both of Pelfrey and Lowe could rebound next year. In this scenario, Detroit could look to deal either if they feel the rotation or bullpen depth is sufficient.

Once Pelfrey or Lowe start to pitch more consistently next season, they become much easier to trade. As the season progresses, potential trade partners won’t have to take on as much salary in acquiring either pitcher.

Even if the duo rebound, they certainly have enough pitching depth to move Pelfrey and Lowe.

Next year’s rotation will more than likely consist of Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd and Jordan Zimmermann. Buck Farmer, Chad Bell, Myles Jaye and Anibal Sanchez all provide Avila and Ausmus additional starting depth, making Pelfrey more than expendable.

In terms of relievers, the likes of Kyle Ryan, Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy all provide options in the earlier innings. What’s more, Bruce Rondon, Shane Greene, Justin Wilson and incoming rookie Joe Jimenez all can operate as late-inning options.

Next: Reviewing Alex Wilson's 2016 Campaign

There’s always the option of letting Pelfrey and Lowe’s contracts expire, but moving them early gives the Detroit Tigers a chance to get a head start on saving money.

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