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

Detroit Tigers Trade Starter Anibal Sanchez to the Mets for Center Fielder Curtis Granderson

On paper, the New York Mets’ rotation looks excellent. Noah Syndergaard heads up a group that also includes Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz. There’s also promising young starters Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo to potentially fill in.

This is all without mentioning Zack Wheeler, who could contribute next season after last pitching for the club in 2014.

However, a closer look reveals that things aren’t as excellent as they may appear.

The Mets’ group of starters are undoubtedly talented, but there are concerns to be had. Harvey, deGrom and Matz were all affected by injuries last season.

Additionally, Gsellman and Lugo have just 15 Major League starts between them. Both made their respective Major League debuts last season.

Add in Wheeler, who has thrown just one professional inning since the end of 2014, and it is obvious that New York needs another starter.

Similar to Pelfrey, a stint in the National League, with its lack of designated hitter, could do wonders for Sanchez.

Granderson’s Potential Role with the Detroit Tigers

In return for the veteran starter, the Tigers would acquire old friend Curtis Granderson in this hypothetical trade.

The former Tiger provided considerable value for the Mets last season, notching a 2.6 WAR, a .228 ISO, a 114 wRC+ and 30 home runs last season.

Despite that, Granderson only hit .237 with just 59 RBI. Given the Mets current outfield log jam, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team trade a player from the position group before Opening Day.

The Mets also employ Yoenis Cespedes, Jay Bruce and Juan Lagers. There’s also young talents Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo, who need more consistent at-bats.

Moving Granderson, who per Spotrac will make $15 million in 2017 before hitting free agency after the season, could benefit all parties.

Detroit could employ the veteran as a place-holder in center field until JaCoby Jones is ready.

What’s more, Granderson is a definite upgrade over the Tigers other internal options.

The longtime Tiger is a much better offensive option than Anthony Gose (69 wRC+, .132 ISO), while also serving as a superior defensive center field to Collins.

Last season, the veteran posted a DRS of one and a 1.7 UZR /150 in center field last season.

Those don’t exactly jump off the page. However, those stats represent a significant upgrade over the likes of Collins (-11.4 UZR/150) and Cameron Maybin (-11 DRS).

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Granderson’s pop would also help make up for the loss of Maybin’s offensive production.