Detroit Tigers Rumors: J.D. Martinez Drawing Trade Interest from Giants

Detroit Tigers rumors season is here as the offseason gets underway. According to the latest report, outfielder J.D. Martinez is drawing trade interest from the San Francisco Giants.

Detroit Tigers rumors are already swirling with the general manager meetings having recently concluded. Per the latest from insider Jon Morosi, J.D. Martinez is drawing trade interest from the San Francisco Giants.

The Fox Sports writer tweeted, “Sources: #Tigers, #SFGiants have had recent discussions about a J.D. Martinez trade. @MLBNetwork @MLB.”

Morosi would also go on to tweet, “Add on J.D. Martinez :#SFGiants/#Tigers trade talks occurred at GM meetings last week and have yet to advance beyond initial stage.”

Hypothetical Trade Targets

At first glance, a potential trade between the Tigers and Giants involving Martinez makes a good deal of sense.

San Francisco is in a win-now mode and have an opening in left field following the departure of free agents Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco.

What’s more, the Giants have some intriguing young talent on the Major League roster that could appeal to Detroit. Joe Panik, Ty Blach, Albert Suarez, Will Smith, Hunter Strickland and Derek Law would all fit on the Tigers current roster.

In terms of San Francisco’s farm system, prospects such as Christin Arroyo, Chris Shaw, Sam Coonrod, Rodolfo Martinez and Ray Black hold plenty of upside.

Related Story: Why Trading J.D. Makes Sense for Present, Future

Financial Implications of Any Potential Martinez Deal

For a Detroit Tigers team looking to shed payroll, it’s no surprise that Martinez is drawing trade interest.

According to Spotrac, the outfielder will make $11.75 million next season. For a player of Martinez’ ability, that’s a relative bargain. Because of that and the former Astro’s standout production (.228 ISO, 142 wRC+) he’s arguably Detroit’s best trade chip.

Stats, Stats and More Stats

Martinez recently wrapped up his third season in the Motor City. Despite missing time due to injury, the outfielder still posted a career-high .373 on-base percentage. He also hit .307 while slugging .535.

All told, the 29-year-old collected 69 runs scored, 68 RBI, 35 doubles and 22 home runs in 120 games.

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He ranked among Detroit’s best position players in a number of offensive categories, including wRC+ (second), wOBA (second), on-base percentage (third), batting average (third) and ISO (third).

Of all Major League players with at least 500 at-bats (Martinez logged 517), the slugger finished 12^th in wRC+, 15^th in slugging percentage and 20^th in on-base percentage.

In-House Replacements

If any Martinez deal materializes in the future, Detroit’s current replacement options include the likes of Tyler Collins, Steven Moya, Anthony Gose and Wynton Bernard.

Top prospects like Christin Stewart and Mike Gerber are two other names to watch. The two outfielders both reached Double-A in 2016, and could debut in a Tigers uniform in the next few seasons.

Stewart’s blend of raw power and on-base skill make him an ideal successor to Martinez or Justin Upton in the long run. The former first-round pick is hitting .302 with a .380 on-base percentage in the Arizona Fall League.

In 199 career minor league games, Stewart owns a .381 on-base percentage 85 extra-base hits. Of those 85 extra-base hits, 40 left the ballpark.

Gerber’s ability to stuff the stat sheet makes him an intriguing prospect for the future. In 132 games for Lakeland and Erie, the 24-year-old hit .276 with a .345 on-base percentage.

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He also collected 80 RBI, 69 runs scored, 30 doubles, 18 home runs, right stolen bases and six triples.