Detroit Tigers: Hypothetical, Beneficial Change of Scenery Trades

Detroit Tigers fans have seen veteran players struggle so far in Spring Training. While major changes likely aren’t coming, here are a few hypothetical, change of scenery trades that could benefit the Tigers.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila has been successful on the trade market so far in his time in charge of the franchise’s baseball operations.

Avila made shrewd moves in his first offseason in charge, turning struggling reliever Ian Krol, catching depth piece Manny Pina and handful of mid-level prospects into closer Francisco Rodriguez, center fielder Cameron Maybin and reliever Justin Wilson.

Rodriguez, Maybin and Wilson played integral roles for Detroit last season, as the franchise returned to contention and just missed out on a playoff spot.

Overall, the trio of Rodriguez, Maybin and Wilson contributed just a 3.0 WAR.

However, Rodriguez is under contract this season at an extremely team-friendly $6 million according to Spotrac.

What’s more, Wilson won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2018 campaign.

Avila and the Tigers didn’t make as much of a splash on the trade market last offseason.

The franchise’s only significant deal involved sending Maybin to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for arguably the Halos’ top pitching prospect in Victor Alcantara.

Dealing Maybin helped Detroit save significant cash heading into 2017.

Per Spotrac, the fleet-of-foot outfielder will make $9 million with the American League West club.

The Tigers could conceivably save even more cash if they can find takers for some veteran performers who’ve struggled so far in Spring Training.

Here is a look at some hypothetical, change of scenery trades.