Detroit Tigers: Three Potential J.D. Martinez Trades

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Aug 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a RBI double in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Scenario #1 Trade J.D. Martinez, Mark Lowe and a PTBNL to Philadelphia for infielder Cesar Hernandez, reliever Edubray Ramos, outfield prospect Nick Williams and pitching prospect Alberto Tirado

The Phillies are on the verge of contending and could use a veteran bat to anchor the team’s lineup.

Enter one J.D. Martinez.

One of the small silver linings to any potential Martinez trade is that the Tigers might be able to get away with tacking on another contract to shed payroll. This means that someone like Lowe, Mike Pelfrey or Anibal Sanchez could be moved in the same transaction.

In return for the two current Tigers in this deal, Detroit would receive an exciting group of young players.

First and foremost is Williams, a consensus top-100 prospect who could serve as Martinez’ direct replacement next season. A power hitting outfielder with good speed, Williams has a chance to be a standout player in Detroit. The outfielder hit .258 with 64 RBI and 52 extra-base hits in 125 games for Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate last season.

In addition to Williams, Detroit would get two other pieces they could immediately slot onto the Major League roster in Hernandez and Ramos.

With top prospect J.P. Crawford knocking on the door, the Phillies could easily deal Hernandez, insert Crawford at shortstop and slide Freddy Galvis to second base.

Hernandez, capable of playing second base, third base and shortstop, is coming off a fine season for the Phillies. The 26-year-old hit .294 with a .371 on-base percentage, chipping in with 39 RBI, 17 stolen bases, 14 doubles, 11 triples, six home runs and a 3.3 WAR.

The infielder also graded out positively at both second and third last season. He’d give Detroit some insurance in the event that Ian Kinsler is moved.

Ramos

Also moving to Detroit in the hypothetical deal is Edubray Ramos. The 23-year-old reliever struck out 40 batters in 40 innings in his rookie season. Ramos also contributed a 3.37 SIERA and an 11% swinging strike percentage.

Both Hernandez and Ramos aren’t yet eligible for arbitration.

Rounding out the deal is Tirado, an intriguing pitcher in the lower minors. The 21-year-old recently struck out 102 batters in just 64.2 innings of work. His combination of a blazing fastball and a solid slider has a chance to be effective at the Major League level.

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