Detroit Tigers: Hypothetical, Beneficial Change of Scenery Trades

Anibal Sanchez for Miguel Montero

As of now, the Chicago Cubs don’t have a clear-cut fifth starter.

Sanchez isn’t a perfect fit given his recent struggles, but he could benefit from a change of scenery.

What’s more, the Cubs have taken fliers on players with past success before.

Shane Victorino, Aaron Crow, Rex Brothers, Joe Nathan, Brian Matusz, Joel Peralta, Josh Collmenter, Joe Thatcher and Fernando Rodriguez are among the many names Chicago has brought in over the past calendar year.

Sanchez could be next in line on that list.

A trade for Miguel Montero could make sense with catching prospect Victor Caratini likely to make his Major League debut sooner rather than later.

Detroit’s Side of the Hypotehtical Trade

Montero doesn’t fill a need for the Detroit Tigers considering the team already has two catchers in James McCann and Alex Avila—as well as a designated hitter in Miguel Montero.

However, Detroit may find it easier to trade the veteran backstop than Sanchez.

The 33-year-old Montero hit .216 with a .684 OPS and an 83 wRC+ in 2016. According to Spotrac, the catcher will earn $14 million next season.

Per the same publication, Sanchez will take home $16 million with an $800,000 signing bonus—so the Tigers would save some money in the hypothetical transaction.

There are plenty of teams in need of catching help, including Anaheim, Atlanta and Arizona.

The Dodgers, who have never been shy when it has come to spending, could also be a fit.

Next: How Detroit's Pitching Prospects Are Faring in Spring Training

Additionally, should a team’s starting catcher get injured, Detroit could always work out a deal to send Montero there.