Detroit Tigers: Ranking Padres Trade Fits in Event of a Jose Iglesias Trade

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila didn’t make any trades at the Winter Meetings. However, that didn’t stop rumors from dominating the headlines. The Padres were reportedly linked with Jose Iglesias.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias may not hold the same trade appeal as J.D. Martinez or Ian Kinsler, but there is plenty of appeal in acquiring the player.

An elite defender with the ability to hit for contact, Iglesias would make sense for most any team looking for a shortstop.

He’s coming of a solid 2016 campaign.

Iglesias turned in a 2.1 WAR last season. Despite a .255 batting average, a .306 on-base percentage and a 73 wRC+, the former Boston standout contributed an 11.6 UZR and was the most difficult batter to strike out in the American League.

The player’s defense helped him finish as a finalist for the American League Gold Glove at shortstop. In fact, Iglesias ranked 15^th in terms of all position players where UZR was concerned.

It remains to be seen if the Detroit Tigers will in fact trade Jose Iglesias as he is just 26 and controllable through 2018.

However, both his age and controllability will also make him appealing to other franchises as a solution at shortstop.

One team that has already been linked with Iglesias is the San Diego Padres. MLB.com’s Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell tweeted on Thursday morning, “The Padres have checked in with just about every team that may have a SS available. Interest in Jose Iglesias, Hanser Alberto among others.”

San Diego certainly has a need, as Luis Sardinas represents their only option at the position at the moment.

Here are the Padres’ best trade chips in the event of any potential trade.