Detroit Tigers: Travis Jankowski an Ideal Trade Target to Improve Speed, Defense

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Trades

At just 25, it is possible that Jankowski could be a mainstay on the Detroit roster for years to come. The earliest the outfielder can reach free agency is 2022, and he could play a more significant role down the line.

J.D. Martinez or Justin Upton could conceivably depart the coming years, and if they do, Detroit will need reinforcements.

The Tigers do have a number of intriguing outfield prospects in the minors in Christin Stewart, Derek Hill, Jose Azocar and Michael Gerber. However all four are a few years away from making an impact at the Major League level.

Jankowski would give the team some long-term insurance in the outfield. Additionally, should Cameron Maybin depart via free agency this offseason, the current Padres center fielder would be a cost-efficient replacement for a Detroit team sporting a hefty payroll.

Potential Trades

San Diego could use help up at both middle-infield spots. Shortstop Luis Sardinas showed well with a .287 batting average in 34 games, but that came partly due to an inflated .349 BABIP. The Padres also used eight different players at second base over the course of the season.

Next: Four Intriguing Options to Improve Tigers Pitching Depth

Detroit could part with an infield prospect like Zach Shepherd, A.J. Simcox or Dominc Ficociello while also inlcuding Buck Farmer. San Diego could use the starting pitching depth, and Farmer could be expendable if the Detroit Tigers improve their own pitching depth.