Detroit Tigers: Five Best Transactions of 2016

Trading Bryan Holaday to the Texas Rangers

Bryan Holaday enjoyed a torrid Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers in 2016, batting .438 with a 1.423 OPS. The backstop also turned in 12 RBI, seven runs scored, four home runs, three doubles and a triple in just 32 at-bats.

However, despite the excellent spring numbers, the former sixth-round pick was unable to unseat Saltalamacchia as James McCann’s primary backup in the Motor City.

Detroit would go on to trade the 29-year-old to his hometown Texas Rangers for Wilson and minor league pitcher Myles Jaye.

Wilson struggled, but was flipped for a solid depth piece in Chad Bell.

In addition to Bell, the Tigers also picked up Jaye as a result of dealing Holaday.

A 25-year-old starter, Jaye pitched to a 3.95 ERA in 28 starts split between Erie and Toledo last season.

The former 17^th-round pick doesn’t strike too many batters out (7.5 per nine frames), but he has shown a consistent ability to get batters out.

The right-hander previously spent time in both the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox systems. Now with the Tigers, Jaye could contribute as early as next season.

Like Bell, he was added to the 40-man roster this offseason. Unlike Bell, he doesn’t have much experience in the bullpen, but the potential is there as an extra starter or swingman.

Should one or both of Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey be dealt, Jaye would be one of the top options to step into the rotation should something happen to Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd or Jordan Zimmermann.