Detroit Tigers: Laying out an ideal trade season

Trade J.D. Martinez for a king’s ransom and stay in contention, making the playoffs in the process

Last season, the New York Yankees traded away veterans Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, Carlos Beltran and Ivan Nova.

All but Miller were scheduled to hit free agency, and the Yankees ended up staying in contention despite losing some veteran performers.

Similar to New York, the Tigers could benefit from dealing some impending free agents.

Dealing Rodriguez and Sanchez would certainly help the team’s financial outlook, but both have struggled mightily this season.

Elsewhere, Alex Avila is on too much of a tear at the plate to even consider moving him.

That leaves J.D. Martinez.

Hypothetically trading J.D. Martinez

The slugging outfielder has been excellent for the Detroit Tigers this season.

Martinez owns a 0.9 WAR, a .1.267 OPS, a .489 ISO, a 226 wRC+, a .499 wOBA and seven home runs in just 15 games played.

However, the 29-year-old will hit free agency after the season.

With Detroit seeking to lower the payroll over the long haul, it would make sense to move Martinez considering re-signing Martinez him would entail a significant financial commitment.

Because of his stellar play and strong track record (.909 OPS, 90 home runs in 428 games) with the Tigers, the team could receive a king’s ransom in return for the outfielder.

Back in 2015, Detroit was able to net Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris, Matt Boyd and JaCoby Jones in trades for Yoenis Cespedes, David Price and Joakim Soria.

Considering the prospects that changed hands at last season’s deadline, the Tigers should be able to get multiple franchise building blocks for Martinez.

Last year, position players like Jonathan Lucroy, Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick and Jay Bruce were dealt.

Martinez is more of an offensive threat than the quartet and arguably more of an impact acquisition than the four aforementioned players.

In this scenario, Detroit would receive a haul of prospects to help keep the team competitive long term.

Potentially replacing J.D.

To continue the hypothetical discussion, the Tigers would able to audition top prospects like Christin Stewart and Mike Gerber for potentially larger roles in 2018.

Both Stewart (.981 OPS and 13 home runs in 45 games) and Gerber (.869 OPS, 20 extra-base hits) are off to strong starts with Double-A Erie, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see either in the Majors in the near future.

Detroit can also utilize Jim Adduci, Mikie Mahtook and Alex Presley to help provide cover for the young duo should they struggle early.