Detroit Tigers: Pros and Cons of Trading Victor Martinez

Cons

The title should probably read “Con,” seeing as should Martinez be dealt, the one area where the Detroit Tigers will suffer is at the plate.

Even at 37, the former Red Sox standout proved to be an above-average contributor when swinging the bat.

Martinez’ 120 wRC+ checked in ahead of the likes of Buster Posey and Xander Bogaerts, while his 14.8 strikeout percentage ranked as the 35^th-best number in the category throughout Major League Baseball.

What’s more, the ex-catcher ranked as one of Detroit’s best offensive performers. He finished fifth in wRC+, wOBA, OPS and third in RBI on the team’s roster.

The Tigers could also miss Martinez simply in terms of giving the lineup length.

Nick Castellanos, Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez can all move up to hit cleanup, providing Miguel Cabrera with similar protection.

However, even if this is the case, Detroit’s remaining sluggers will have to move up a spot in the lineup.

Lineup Options

This will force the team to rely on another batter towards the bottom of the order.

Depending on how Ausmus handles the designated hitter position and the outlook of the Opening Day roster, this could mean a number of possible lineup additions.

JaCoby Jones, Steven Moya, Tyler Collins, Anthony Gose and Andrew Romine all stand to gain more at-bats should Victor Martinez be traded.

While there is plenty of upside with the likes of Jones and Moya, there’s also plenty of uncertainty.

Jones is still developing as a player, while Moya is still working on lowering his strikeout totals.

What’s more, Collins could end up profiling as more of a fourth outfielder or a platoon option after logging an 84 wRC+ last year.

Rounding out the group are Gose and Romine. Both bring some potential value as Gose adds a speed element to the team, while Romine offers defensive flexibility and solid base running.

However, neither is Martinez at the plate.

Both players’ wRC+ numbers sat below 72, while Gose managed just a .287 on-base percentage last season. Romine’s .304 number in the category wasn’t much better, but much of his value came on defense.

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If Detroit sticks with the team’s current bench players, there will be a significant drop at some point off where the lineup is concerned.