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Detroit Tigers: Identifying Three Ideal Trade Partners

By Ben Rosener

Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Trayce Thompson (21) rounds the bases after hitting a walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Trayce Thompson (21) rounds the bases after hitting a walk off home run in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

#1 Los Angeles Dodgers
Potential Positions of Need: Outfield, Second Base, Closer, Third Base

The Los Angeles Dodgers pretty much check all the boxes in terms of ideal trade partners.

As it is, the National League West club could use another outfield bat to team with Joc Pederson. What’s more, an upgrade over Chase Utley and second base would also improve the club.

Los Angeles could be in the market for either a closer, third baseman or both depending on the free agent situations of Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner.

While Nick Castellanos isn’t going anywhere, the Tigers could match up with the Dodgers on trades at the other three positions. The additions of J.D. Martinez or Ian Kinsler would put Los Angeles’ lineup over the top, while Francisco Rodriguez would be a solid source of save sin the ninth inning.

Of the group, Martinez and Rodriguez are still the most likely to be traded, but Detroit could receive a premium return nonetheless from their National League counterparts.

Notable Dodgers Players and Prospects Who Could Appeal to the Detroit Tigers

Alex Wood, Starting Pitcher

  • A 25-year-old starting pitcher with a career 3.32 FIP, Wood is controllable through 2019. Detroit would be able to immediately plug him into the rotation, making Jordan Zimmermann and his salary expendable.

Pedro Baez, Relief Pitcher

  • Another young pitcher with an excellent career FIP (3.37), Baez has struck out 10.3 batters per nine frames over the last two seasons. He’s controllable through 2020 and would be a long-term piece at the back end of the bullpen.

Trayce Thompson, Outfielder

  • Despite playing in just 80 games, Thompson ranked as one of the better offensive performers in both wRC+ and ISO. The outfielder finished eighth in wRC+, while registering the fourth-highest ISO. He’s controllable through the 2021 campaign.

Willie Calhoun, Second Baseman

  • One of Los Angeles’ finest prospects, Calhoun is an impact hitter waiting to happen at the Major League level. Last season at Double-A, the prospect drove in 88 runs while mashing 27 home runs and 25 doubles. He also went down on strikes just 65 times in 560 plate appearances.
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