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

Jun 22, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) makes a throw to first to retire Seattle Mariners left fielder Norichika Aoki (not pictured) in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) makes a throw to first to retire Seattle Mariners left fielder Norichika Aoki (not pictured) in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Travis Jankowski (L)) scores past Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Cabrera (R) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Travis Jankowski (L)) scores past Cincinnati Reds catcher Ramon Cabrera (R) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Name: Travis Jankowski
Age: 25
Position: Center Field
Controllable Through: 2021
2016 Stat of Note: 3.1 BsR

Right off the bat, Travis Jankowski stands out as a logical fit.

The center fielder is coming off his first full season in the Majors. While he only hit .245, there were definite positives to be had.

In 131 games, the 25-year-old turned in a 2.1 WAR, mainly contributing on the base paths and on defense.

Jankowski logged a 3.1 BsR and a 1.7 UBR, not to mention 30 stolen bases. Of the outfielder’s 30 stolen bases, two involved stealing home plate.

Eventually, San Diego will need to make room for Manuel Margot, so a trade could make sense for both parties.

Potential Fit in Detroit

Regardless of where he hits in the lineup, Jankowski could make a significant impact on the bases. It isn’t hard to imagine him pushing 40 stolen bases in a Detroit Tigers uniform.

What’s more, the former first-round pick would also give the Tigers time to let JaCoby Jones develop. Jones could spend the year in Triple-A while Jankowski holds down center field.

Long term, Detroit could always shift Jones to an outfield corner, or utilize the current Padre as a pinch-running threat similar to how Kansas City have used Jarrod Dyson and Terrance Gore.

Jankowski also gives the Tigers an outfield option to bridge the gap to Christin Stewart and Mike Gerber should one or both of Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez depart.