Detroit Tigers: Four Potential Trades Involving Sanchez, Lowe and Pelfrey

Trade #4 Tigers Move on From Anibal Sanchez

Trade Partner: Pittsburgh Pirates
Potential Trade: Detroit Tigers Trade Anibal Sanchez for Antonio Bastardo and John Jaso
Incoming Salary: $10.625 million
Outgoing Salary: $16.8 million

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t exactly swimming in cash, but they could find themselves with much more money to play with if Andrew McCutchen is traded.

Still, moving Sanchez for Bastardo and Jaso makes sense for both parties.

Given his 4.67 xFIP with the Pirates last season, Bastardo is clearly expendable. While he wasn’t lights out in 2016, the reliever does have a solid track record. From 2011 to 2015, his SIERA never eclipsed the 3.55 mark. On an expiring contract, he’s well worth the gamble.

With plenty of relief options around him in Detroit, Bastardo could find success.

John Jaso

Like Bastardo, Jaso is on an expiring contract, and could be a fit in Detroit as a bench contributor. With top prospect Josh Bell (113 wRC+, .368 on-base percentage) bursting onto the scene, Pittsburgh may be more inclined to move Jaso and his $4 million (per Spotrac) salary.

While Sanchez’ struggles in 2016 make him far from a lock to produce, Ray Searage and the Pirates have worked wonders with struggling pitchers who’ve previously found success.

A.J. Burnett, Francisco Liriano, Ivan Nova, Joe Blanton, Mark Melancon and J.A. Happ are just a few of the pitchers who have relaunched their careers in Pittsburgh under Searage’s tutelage. Sanchez could potentially follow a similar route.

Next: Al Avila Continues to Win the Bryan Holaday Trade

Even Neftali Feliz, who was hit hard (7.65 ERA) in Detroit, has rebounded with the Pirates. In Tigers pitcher fanned 10.23 batters per nine innings while logging a 3.36 SIERA.