Detroit Tigers: Trading Jose Iglesias makes sense to improve team, save money

Ryan Buchter and Kevin Quackenbush

Both players have past success, but the Padres currently have Brad Hand and Brandon Maurer pitching at the end of games.

What’s more, Kirby Yates and Jose Torres have both given the team quality innings, while Craig Stammen and Miguel Diaz have tossed a combined 47.2 frames.

Buchter turned in a solid 2016, with a 3.07 FIP and 11.14 strikeouts per nine innings in 63 frames for the National League West franchise.

However, his run prevention numbers have spiked this season, with his FIP rising to 5.11 and his xFIP going from 4.33 to 4.88.

The reliever’s strikeouts have also gone down to 8.83 per nine innings.

Still, Buchter and Quackenbush (3.70 career SIERA, lifetime 8.53 punch outs per nine frames) give the Tigers two of controllable, late-inning options.

With Justin Wilson established as the closer and Buchter and Quackenbush hypothetically joining Shane Greene, Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy, it makes Francisco Rodriguez and his salary extremely expendable.

In that scenario, Detroit would have an established closer in Justin Wilson, as well as five quality setup options for Brad Ausmus to chose from on a nightly basis.

Throw in other potential bullpen cogs like Chad Bell, Bruce Rondon and Joe Jimenez, and there isn’t much room for the team’s former closer.

With the Tigers needing to save cash, eventually moving Rodriguez this season certainly wouldn’t hurt.