
Mark Lowe and Steven Moya for Fernando Abad
Detroit Tigers outfielder Steven Moya isn’t a lock to make Detroit’s roster this season.
With Mikie Mahtook, Tyler Collins, Andrew Romine and JaCoby Jones all capable of playing the outfield, the out-of-options Moya is facing plenty of competition for a bench spot this spring.
If he doesn’t make the roster, he could make an intriguing trade chip in a larger deal.
Sending Moya and Mark Lowe to Boston for fellow reliever Fernando Abad could make sense for all parties.
The Red Sox are adjusting to live without David Ortiz, and could utilize Moya as an occasional designated hitter and bench bat.
What’s more, Boston will have a number of new faces in the bullpen come Opening Day.
Four of the club’s more dependable relievers from last season, Junichi Tazawa, Brad Ziegler and Koji Uehara and Tommy Layne, have all departed.
Abad would seem like a candidate to take over for one of the aforementioned relievers, but the pitcher logged a 6.39 ERA and a 5.44 FIP in 12.2 innings after coming over from the Twins mid-season.
A change of scenery could benefit both Lowe and Abad.
Lowe, who struggled mightily in his first campaign in Detroit, could step into Boston’s bullpen.
Detroit’s Side of the Hypotehtical Trade
Meanwhile, Abad would give the Detroit Tigers another left-handed relief option.
From 2013 to 2015 with Washington and Oakland, the southpaw turned in a 2.90 ERA, a 1.157 WHIP and 8.1 strikeouts per nine frames in 142.2 frames.
In 34 innings of work with Minnesota in 2016, Abad pitched to a 2.65 ERA and a 3.44 FIP.