Detroit Tigers Mock Trade: Anibal Sanchez to Philadelphia

Detroit Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez had an up and down season. If Detroit trims payroll, Sanchez could be dealt. We here at MCB worked out a mock trade with the good people at That Ball’s Outta Here.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is about to embark on his second offseason in charge of the club. With the Tigers having just missed the playoffs in this past season, Avila can put the team in excellent position to make it next season with a successful offseason.

One way this can be accomplished is by freeing up salary to allow flexibility on the free agent market and in trades.

The likes of Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Ian Kinsler aren’t going anywhere. However, there are a few players with sizeable contracts that could be moved.

These include Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe and Anibal Sanchez.

As it would happen, the Philadelphia Phillies have a need for veteran arms.

In conversations with the editors over at That Ball’s Outta Here, FanSided’s Phillies website, a hypothetical trade was worked out that would benefit both parties.

Early Negotiations

The Phillies are also in need of veteran bats, and J.D. Martinez’ name was floated by the folks from That Ball’s Outta Here. However, J.D. is likely one of the anchors of Detroit’s lineup for the good part of the next decade, so his name was quickly taken off the table.

Philadelphia reliever Edubray Ramos would have been an intriguing fit in Detroit. He pitched to a 3.60 ERA and a 3.37 SIERA while striking out 40 in 40 innings pitched. However, the 23-year-old just completed his rookie season and was probably going to be too rich for the Tigers’ blood.

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Following the exchanges about Martinez and Ramos, Sanchez’ name was brought up—and that’s where negotiations really picked up steam. That Ball’s Outta Here wanted the veteran pitcher if we threw in enough money to cover his buy out.

Per Spotrac, Sanchez has a 2018 club option that his employer can buy out for $5 million. In terms of making a hypothetical trade, this seemed pretty fare.

Detroit would be able to get out from Sanchez’ salary while saving money or having the ability to reinvest elsewhere. On the other side, Philadelphia would receive a veteran pitcher who can fill a rotation spot and potentially find success in a return to the National League.

Prospects

Now the question becomes, what can the Tigers get for Sanchez.

Negotiations saw a number of intriguing prospects brought up, with a deal eventually settled on. The mock trade would send Anibal Sanchez, pitching prospect Matt Hall and cash to cover Sanchez’ buyout to the Phillies for utility player Jimmy Paredes, shortstop prospect Malquin Canelo and pitching prospect Alberto Tirado.

Paredes

Despite giving up Hall, this is an extremely intriguing return for the Tigers.

Paredes has long been a favorite of this site, with this writer in particular advocating for Detroit to pick him up earlier in the season.

The 27-year-old is controllable through 2020 and can play a number of positions. In stints with Houston, Kansas City, Baltimore, Toronto and Philadelphia, Paredes has played both corner outfield positions, third base and second base.

Unlike many utility players, the veteran is a threat to do some damage at the plate. In 104 games for Baltimore in 2015, Paredes scored 46 runs, drove in 42 runs and hit 17 doubles, 10 home runs and two triples. The veteran also stole four bases.

He could be worth a look as a cost-efficient bench bat for the Tigers.

The real upside in this mock trade comes in the two prospects Detroit would be getting.

High-Upside Prospects

Canelo is a tremendous defensive shortstop who probably would be the future of the position in Philadelphia if it weren’t for top prospect J.P. Crawford.

With game-changing speed, the 22-year-old has a chance to contribute to the Tigers in the future. He’s already at Double-A.

The last player in the deal could carry the most upside of all.

Like Canelo, Tirado isn’t a perfect prospect, but he has the potential to be a standout player if he can put it all together. In 64.2 innings in 2016, the righ

t-hander pitched to a 3.90 ERA while posting impressive strikeout numbers.

The former Toronto farmhand also pitched in the rotation and out of relief last season, suggesting he could fit as either a starter or a reliever in the Majors.

However, despite his success, control is an issue.

In 2016 Tirado allowed 36 walks while throwing 12 wild pitches. He also hit nine batters. If he can be more consistent, the right-hander has a chance to be special.

Wrapping Things Up

This mock trade is a win-win for the Tigers. Not only do they move on from Sanchez’ contract, but they also add two intriguing prospects and a potential Major League piece in Paredes.

With Mike Pelfrey and Mark Lowe’s contracts coming off the books after next season, Detroit’s financial outlook suddenly looks much better—that is if this was an actual transaction.

Next: 6 Tigers Prospects Who Could Debut in 2017

Would you make this trade if you were Al Avila?

You can read That Ball’s Outta Here’s article on the mock deal here.