Detroit Tigers: Four Intriguing Trade Targets to Improve Pitching Depth

Chris Heston, San Francisco Giants

Just two seasons ago, Chris Heston burst onto the scene for the San Francisco Giants, posting a 12-11 record in 31 starts.

Those 31 starts spanned 177.2 innings and included just 64 walks compared to 141 strikeouts. Heston posted a solid 1.31 WHIP, and turned in some encouraging run-prevention numbers for a rookie.

The pitcher posted a 3.95 ERA, a 3.98 xFIP, a 4.02 FIP and a 4.07 SIERA in his freshman campaign.

While he was limited to just four relief appearances this past season, Heston’s 2015 campaign showed that he could easily be a mid-rotation starter in the big leagues for years to come.

If the Tigers act now, those years could be in Detroit.

The team is set with a starting rotation, but Fulmer, Norris and Boyd will need to have their innings watched for the near future. Heston could be an ideal fill in should the team need to sit one of their three young starters.

As it stands, San Francisco’s rotation of Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Matt Moore, Jeff Samardzija and Ty Blach are all under team control for the next few seasons. This is all without mentioning Matt Cain and Albert Suarez, who could both start. The team also has prospects Chris Stratton and Joan Gregorio at Triple-A providing depth.

In other words, the Giants may not have a need for Heston.

That would make it all the more easier for the Detroit Tigers to acquire a pitcher who is controllable for the next five seasons. Heston could also give Detroit quality innings out of the bullpen when not starting, as a swingman of sorts.