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Detroit Tigers: Three Ideal, Hypothetical Trades Involving Pelfrey, Lowe and Sanchez

By Ben Rosener

Sep 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Jun 10, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) throws to first base against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers Trade Starter Mike Pelfrey to Pittsburgh for Reliever Antonio Bastardo

Mike Pelfrey could be buried on the depth chart by the time Opening Day rolls around.

Ideally, the Detroit Tigers rotation should feature Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd.

The team also has Buck Farmer, Chad Bell, Myles Jaye and Anibal Sanchez as potential starting options in the event of a replacement being needed.

While Pittsburgh has plenty of starting candidates behind Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation, the team could find value in a veteran arm as an insurance policy for the likes of young starters Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, Tyler Glasnow, Steven Brault and Trevor Williams.

The Pirates have shown a tendency to employ ground-ball pitchers before, making Pelfrey a perfect fit.

Additionally, the ex-Met could find success in returning to the National League where he’ll face pitchers more often.

In return for Pelfrey, Detroit would get a potential bullpen piece in Antonio Bastardo.

Bastardo’s Potential Role With the Detroit Tigers

The eight-year veteran is on an expiring deal and is just a season removed from a strong three-year run. In 164 innings with both the Pirates and Phillies, Bastardo posted a 3.15 FIP coming out of the bullpen.

However, 2016 was a struggle.

The left-hander pitched to a 4.52 ERA and a 4.67 FIP in 67.2 frames split between New York and Pittsburgh.

Considering his strikeout per nine inning rate was still a solid 9.8 last season, there’s still plenty of potential for a bounce back.

The former Phillies reliever likely wouldn’t be one of Detroit’s top bullpen options. However, he could take up a role pitching in the seventh inning, or earlier in games.

Per Spotrac, Bastardo will make $6.5 million, meaning the Bucs won’t be taking on too much money with Pelfrey’s $8 million salary.

Detroit could also take on first baseman John Jaso and his $4 million (according to Spotrac) expiring deal in hopes of flipping him for younger, cheaper pieces.

Jaso compiled a 111 wRC+ and a .353 on-base percentage in 132 games last season.

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