Detroit Tigers: Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe May Have More Trade Value in Season

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is looking to change the team, seeking a younger and more financially-sustainable roster. Detroit could move Mike Pelfrey and Mark Lowe in the regular season.

Detroit Tigers pitchers Mike Pelfrey and Mark Lowe both struggled mightily in 2016 for Brad Ausmus’ team.

Both were signed as free agents last offseason to improve Detroit’s pitching staff.

However, things didn’t exactly go as planned.

Pelfrey simply allowed too many base runners en route to posting a 5.15 FIP and a 5.25 SIERA. The starter’s 6.6 swinging strike percentage also left much to be desired.

What’s more, the former New York Met also put up a 1.73 WHIP. That number that led all starting pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched.

Meanwhile in the bullpen, Lowe was tagged for a similarly-high 1.58 WHIP.  His 5.66 FIP was the fourth-highest among qualified relievers. Among the same group of relievers, only Brett Oberholtzer allowed more home runs per nine frames than Lowe last season.

Per Spotrac, Pelfrey will earn $8 million next season before seeing his contract expire. Lowe’s contract calls for a $5.5 million salary in 2017.

With Detroit looking to shed payroll, dealing Pelfrey and Lowe would certainly help the long-term outlook of the team.

However, there may be challenges in dealing the duo in the offseason. Despite being on expiring contracts, other franchises may not want to take fliers on Pelfrey or Lowe’s relatively high salaries.

The Tigers could conceivably move either in bigger trades involving one of the team’s top trade chips, like J.D. Martinez. While that could work, it might also lessen the premium return the Tigers would receive.

Here’s why the Detroit Tigers could trade Mark Lowe and Mike Pelfrey during the regular season.