Detroit Tigers: Five Best Transactions of 2016

Flipping Bobby Wilson Back to the Texas Rangers

Originally acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Bryan Holaday swap—something that we’ll come back to later—Wilson only suited up in five games for the Detroit Tigers.

All told, those five games were remarkably unremarkable from an offensive standpoint. The backstop collected two hits, two RBI and a walk in 15 at bats.

Serving as catching depth, the longtime Angel turned in a wRC+ of -9, while registering an on-base percentage of .200.

The 33-year-old also allowed a stolen base and a wild pitch in his brief time behind the plate in a Detroit uniform.

After just over a month with the Tigers, Wilson was dealt back to the Rangers for pitcher Chad Bell. A 27-year-old left-hander, Bell compiled a 3.70 ERA in 80.1 minor league innings.

Those frames spanned 28 appearances and included 10 games started, four games finished and a 10-4 record.

Bell was recently added to Detroit’s 40-man roster and could contribute next year as a swingman reliever or a spot starter next season.

Avila and company did extremely well to net a potentially useful piece for a veteran catcher who struggled from an offensive standpoint.