Detroit Tigers hypothetical trade: J.D. Martinez for Willie Calhoun and Joc Pederson

Detroit Tigers fans could conceivably see the team trade a few players at the deadline. Here’s a hypothetical J.D. Martinez trade we worked out with FanSided’s Dodgers site, Dodger Way.

Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez is arguably the team’s best trade chip as July’s trade deadline slowly approaches.

The slugger has a slight edge over closer Justin Wilson due to his elite offensive ability.

Martinez will also hit free agency after the season, and it might behoove the Tigers to move him even if the team is in contention.

The reality is that the 29-year-old is going to command a significant contract on the open market, and Detroit may not be a perfect fit with the team’s desire to get cheaper.

While Martinez might be playing elsewhere next season, the Tigers probably aren’t going to go into complete tear-down move.

Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Justin Upton and Jordan Zimmermann’s respective contracts are each likely too hefty to move.

Additionally, younger, controllable players like Michael Fulmer, Shane Greene, Nicholas Castellanos, Daniel Norris and Mikie Mahtook will likely stick around as well.

With that core, plus prospects like Christin Stewart, Joe Jimenez and JaCoby Jones integrating into the team, Detroit has the foundation to be competitive.

With that being said, it makes more sense to acquire Major-League ready pieces or prospects for Martinez in order to ensure a quick turnaround.

A situation similar to the David Price and Yoenis Cespedes situations would be idea in terms of bringing in big league contributors.

Representing the Tigers and Motor City Bengals in a hypothetical trade scenario, I made a conceivable trade with the quality folks over at FanSided’s Los Angeles Dodgers site, Dodger Way involving Martinez.

Hypothetical Trade

Detroit Tigers receive: Center fielder Joc Pederson and second base prospect Willie Calhoun

Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Outfielder J.D. Martinez

The Dodgers need another outfield bat, and adding Martinez to an offensive core that includes Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and Adrian Gonzalez would help the team overtake the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs.

So in that sense, the deal makes plenty of sense for Los Angeles.

It also makes plenty of sense for the Tigers, who add to building blocks and lineup mainstays for the foreseeable future.