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

Name: Luis Sardinas
Age: 23
Position: Infielder
Controllable Through: 2021
2016 Stat of Note: .356 Slugging Percentage

Currently San Diego’s best option at shortstop, Sardinas likely wouldn’t represent the entire trade package in any hypothetical deal for Iglesias. However, he could be an intriguing depth addition.

The former top prospect, who is still only 23, struggled mightily with Seattle to begin the season. In 32 games (72 at-bats), the former Ranger batted just .181 with a .203 on-base percentage. What’s more, he only managed five RBI.

After a mid-season move to San Diego, things changed for Sardinas.

The infielder, who was once the centerpiece of the Yovani Gallardo deal, batted .287 with a .353 on-base percentage. He turned in a 0.5 War for the National League West franchise despite appearing in just 34 games.

Potential Fit with the Detroit Tigers

Sardinas makes sense as a utility option, or perhaps a complement to Dixon Machado. While he hasn’t played much of the outfield, the former Brewer could become Andrew Romine’s long-term successor on the bench.

What is perhaps most intriguing about Sardinas as a bench option is the pop he brings.

The 23-year-old turned in a .356 slugging percentage on the season, including a .417 number with the Padres.

While those numbers don’t exactly paint Sardinas as the next Miguel Cabrera, the infielder would provide an upgrade on Detroit’s bench.

By comparison, Iglesias, Erick Aybar, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Romine, Casey McGehee and JaCoby Jones all turned in lower slugging percentages last season than Sardinas.

A deal sending Hand, Sardinas and a low-level prospect to Detroit for Iglesias could make sense for all parties.