Detroit Tigers Rumors: Rangers Linked with Justin Wilson

Detroit Tigers rumors season is here once again. With the Winter Meetings under way, the offseason is in full swing. According to the latest report, the Rangers are interested in Justin Wilson.

Detroit Tigers rumors are already swirling as December gets underway. Per the latest from veteran writer Evan Grant, the Texas Rangers are reportedly interested in one of Detroit’s relievers.

The Dallas Morning News writer tweeted on Tuesday morning, “Rangers have inquired about DET LHP Justin Wilson, middle-innings type. Prolly low chance of deal, but would create LH relief depth.”

Wilson is coming off his first season with the Tigers.

Acquired in a deal with the New York Yankees last offseason for Luis Cessa and Chad Green, Wilson notched a 1.0 WAR for Detroit.

The left-hander also turned in a swinging strike percentage of 12.5, while punching out 9.97 batters per nine innings. At first glance, Wilson’s 4.14 ERA doesn’t inspire too much confidence, but the reliever did post some excellent numbers where other run-prevention metrics are concerned.

In 58.2 innings of work, the ex-Yankee pitched to a 3.18 FIP, a 3.24 xFIP and a 3.02 SIERA.

The trade looks like a win at this point for the Tigers considering Wilson is controllable through 2018.

Based on his solid numbers, it certainly isn’t surprising that other teams are interested in the power reliever.

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Texas’s Best Trade Chips

It remains to be seen if the Tigers end up dealing Wilson. However, a hypothetical trade to Texas could net Detroit some intriguing pieces.

The Rangers employ plenty of young talent from Nomar Mazara and Rougned Odor to Jurickson Profar.

This is all purely speculative, but Delino DeShields certainly makes sense as a fit seeing as Detroit could use help in center field.

However, JaCoby Jones isn’t too far away from playing every day and DeShields would be forced to the bench whenever the top prospect is ready to start.

Other interesting Texas names of note include top pitching prospects Yohander Mendez and Alex Speas as well as minor league outfield talent Jairo Beras.

Young starters Nick Martinez and Chi Chi Gonzalez are also hypothetical fits for the Tigers.

Bullpen Depth

Unlike in seasons past, the Detroit Tigers actually have a number of solid relief pitchers at the team’s disposal.

In addition to Wilson, Detroit manager Brad Ausmus can turn to the likes of Bruce Rondon, Alex Wilson, Shane Greene, Blaine Hardy and Kyle Ryan in forming a bridge to closer Francisco Rodriguez.

What’s more, standout relief prospect Joe Jimenez could make his Major League debut next year after reaching Triple-A last season.

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Detroit could also use the likes of Anibal Sanchez, Buck Farmer and Drew VerHagen in relief roles come 2017.