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Detroit Tigers: Ideal Trade Partners for J.D. Martinez

By Ben Rosener

May 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) receives congratulations from right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) after he hits a home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) receives congratulations from right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) after he hits a home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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June 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Trayce Thompson (21) hits a three run home run in the third inning against Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Trayce Thompson (21) hits a three run home run in the third inning against Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

With a roster that headlined by the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, Kenley Jansen and Joc Pederson, the Dodgers are in an excellent position to contend for the World Series.

However, one area where they could use an upgrade is in the outfield corners.

Los Angeles used 13 different outfielders other than Pederson last season.

While Andrew Toles was a bright spot, the team will head in to 2017 with some combination of Andre Ethier (64 wRC+ in only 16 games played), Yasiel Puig (.323 on-base percentage), Scott Van Slyke (.088 ISO) and Trayce Thompson (25.2 strikeout percentage) filling the other outfield spots.

In other words, Martinez is a perfect fit.

Potential Trade Fits for the Detroit Tigers

Cody Bellinger

One of the better hitting prospects in the minors, Bellinger collected 71 RBI, 44 extra-bases and 60 walks in only 117 minor league games.

That stint included mashing three home runs in his first three Triple-A contests.

Blocked by Adrian Gonzalez in Los Angeles, Bellinger has the upside to be a franchise cornerstone. What’s more, the first baseman could contribute in the Majors as early as next season.

Gavin Lux

Outside of Dixon Machado, the Tigers don’t have many long-term options should Jose Iglesias eventually depart.

As it stands, A.J. Simcox may be one of the best of the bunch, but he recently posted just a .298 on-base percentage for Lakeland last season. Adding Lux, an intriguing all-around shortstop, would give the team a shortstop for the future.

Lux was taken with the 20th-overall pick in 2016 and recently completed his first professional season.

In just 56 games played the 19-year-old compiled 41 runs scored, 28 walks, 21 RBI, 13 doubles, five triples and a pair of stolen bases.

Trayce Thompson

Thompson finished ahead of the likes of Gonzalez, Seager and Puig in ISO among all Dodgers hitters last season. Controllable through 2021, the outfielder would serve as either Martinez or Upton’s long-term successor in the Motor City.

Over the span of 80 games, the former Chicago White Sox player collected 32 RBI, 31 runs scored, 13 home runs, 11 doubles and five stolen bases.

Alex Wood

A former standout in Atlanta’ rotation, Wood is buried on the depth chart in Los Angeles. Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Jose De Leon and Hyun-Jin Ryu are all candidates to start ahead of the 25-year-old.

Despite not being a lock for the Dodgers’ rotation, Wood is still a quality pitcher.

In 499.1 innings, the left-hander owns a 3.32 FIP and a 3.61 SIERA. Like many on this list, Wood is controllable for the foreseeable future—or more specifically, 2020.

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