Detroit Tigers: Three Potential Cameron Maybin Trades

Detroit Tigers fans may see a different team next season. General manager Al Avila is looking to make the team younger and more cost-conscious. Here are some trades involving Cameron Maybin.

Detroit Tigers center fielder Cameron Maybin enjoyed a fine season in his return to Comerica Park.

The former first-round pick turned in a 2.0 WAR in just 94 games. The veteran hit .315 with a robust .383 on-base percentage. Maybin also chipped in with 65 runs scored, 43 RBI, 23 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases.

Often serving as a top-of-the-order catalyst, the 29-year-old isn’t a lock to return to the Tigers. Per Spotrac, Detroit holds a $9 million option on Maybin’s contract for next season.

If they decline it, he becomes a free agent. If the Tigers pick up the option, the team can either start him in center fielder or trade him.

It remains to be seen what Detroit does with Maybin’s contract, but if they trade him, the Tigers could get some solid pieces in return.

Of all center fielders with at least 350 plate appearances, the former Padre finished third in on-base percentage, seventh in wRC+ and eighth in wOBA.

After Ian Desmond and Dexter Fowler (who has a mutual option on his contract, according to Spotrac) Maybin is perhaps the best all-around option in a market that includes the likes of Michael Bourn, Coco Crisp and Austin Jackson.

Here are three trades involving Maybin that could benefit the Detroit Tigers in both the long and short term.