Detroit Tigers hypothetical trade idea: Anibal Sanchez for Curtis Granderson

Detroit Tigers fans have seen reliever Anibal Sanchez struggle so far this season. A change of scenery could hypothetically benefit the pitcher, and the New York Mets are a conceivable trade partner.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez hasn’t had the best start to 2017.

The veteran has thrown 18.2 innings, surrendering 33 this, 26 runs (21 earned), nine home runs and nine walks.

Sanchez’ 20 strikeouts are somewhat encouraging, but the pitcher’s other numbers haven’t been easy on the eyes.

All told, the ex-Marlin owns a 10.13 ERA, a 8.61 FIP, a 5.24 xFIP and a 4.24 SIERA. He’s also logged a 0.6 WAR to go along with a bloated 2.250 WHIP.

Additionally, Sanchez has surrendered 15.9 hits, 4.3 walks and 4.3 home runs per nine innings.

Translation: not great.

Generally, teams can hide a struggling arm in the bullpen. However, Detroit has two of those in Sanchez and Francisco Rodriguez.

Hypothetically speaking, if the team had to choose one, it might be Rodriguez.

While Sanchez returning to the rotation and pitching somewhat effectively would be a positive, the reality is that Detroit has more starting depth than closing depth.

Chad Bell, Warwick Saupold, Buck Farmer and William Cuevas could all step into the back of the rotation if need be.

Meanwhile, Detroit’s only closing options outside of Rodriguez and Justin Wilson are Bruce Rondon and Joe Jimenez.

Rondon struggled early in the year with Tigers, while Jimenez was a mixed bag in his first handful of Major League appearances. Both are currently in Toledo, with Jimenez currently on the disabled list.