Detroit Tigers Rumors: J.D. Martinez Linked with San Francisco Giants

Detroit Tigers rumors are once again in the news. With the Winter Meetings just days away, the hot stove season is in full swing. The latest report links J.D. Martinez with the Giants.

Detroit Tigers rumors continue to dominate the headlines.

With general manager Al Avila looking to set Detroit up for a more financially-sustainable future, it isn’t a surprise that the team’s top players are coming up in the rumor mill.

One of those names that has come up often is that of J.D. Martinez.

The outfielder, who may just be the Tigers most appealing trade chip, has had been linked to both the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.

Now, it seems, we can add another team to that list.

Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan tweeted on Friday afternoon, “Sources: Giants are exploring all avenues for a power outfield bat. Among those they’ve talked about: J.D. Martinez, who Tigers would deal.”

The columnist would also go on to tweet, “Tigers are exploring all possibilities, but one thing is near certain: They’ll shed payroll. Martinez, Kinsler have gotten the most bites.”

While Passan’s tweets don’t necessarily indicate the two teams have had dialogue about a deal involving Martinez, the fit is a rather obvious one.

Need in San Francisco

The Giants are faced with the task of filling in the team’s third outfield slot this offseason. This is due to longtime contributors Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco hitting free agency.

As it stands, Mac Williamson and former Tigers farmhand Gorkys Hernandez (who Detroit shipped to Atlanta in the Edgar Renteria deal) are the incumbent options in left field.

Considering Williamson hit just .223, while Hernandez’ on-base percentage came in at .298, Martinez would certainly be a significant upgrade.

More from Detroit Tigers News

• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?
• Detroit Tigers: Riley Greene continues to impress with his performance

The outfielder turned in a stellar offensive campaign in 2016 that included a 142 wRC+ and a .908 OPS.

The Giants’ Most Appealing Trade Chips

In terms of a potential trade, there are a number of Giants players who could fit into the long-term picture in Detroit.

Joe Panik, who finished just ahead of Jose Iglesias in terms of being the hardest batter to strike out in the Majors, stands out.

The 26-year-old has hit .280 with a .343 on-base percentage since entering the league in 2014. Since then, the second baseman finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and earned Gold Glove and All-Star honors.

To top it all off, he’s averaged 29 extra-base hits per season. He’s also compiled a 7.8 WAR. The second baseman is controllable through 2020, and could allow Detroit to flip Ian Kinsler for a sizeable return.

Kinsler’s 8.5 UZR number checked in just ahead of Panik’s 7.4 stat where defensive metrics were concerned.

Intriguing Young Players

Other hypothetical fits in the Motor City include a number of top prospects.

Starting pitcher Tyler Beede has promising upside. Additionally, flame-throwing relievers Rodolfo Martinez and Ray Black (both have been clocked well over 100 MPH) could be extremely effective coming out of Detroit’s bullpen.

Next: If J.D. Is Dealt, These are 3 Ideal Trades

Other, more Major League ready players include starting pitchers Chris Heston and Ty Blach, not to mention infielder Kelby Tomlinson.