Detroit Tigers hypothetical trade: J.D. Martinez to the Dodgers

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Jun 15, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a single in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Apr 23, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) prepares to bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit’s end of the deal

More on Joc Pederson’s potential fit with the Detroit Tigers

The Tigers could probably plug both Pederson and Calhoun into the big league roster, but Pederson is the safer bet to contribute right away.

A 25-year-old center fielder with a penchant for power and drawing walks, the outfielder would solve Detroit’s black hole in center field.

Last season, Pederson led Los Angeles in ISO with a .249 stat, while also finishing second in walk percentage, with a 13.2 number and third in on-base percentage with a .352 clip.

Overall, the center fielder hit .246 with a .495 slugging percentage, a .847 OPS, a 129 wRC+, 68 RBI, 64 runs scored, 63 walks, 26 doubles, 25 home runs and six stolen bases.

His power should immediately help make up for the loss of Martinez in the lineup.

Pederson also showed well in center field, with a 1.5 UZR and a 0.4 UZR/150.

This year, the former All-Star is struggling somewhat with a .216 batting average, but he’s still drawing plenty of walks thanks to a .338 on-base percentage.

Additionally, Pederson has had some rough luck with a .269 BABIP that is sure influencing his stat line. In time, his numbers will begin turn around.

According to Spotrac, the former 11^th-round draft pick isn’t yet arbitration eligible. He won’t hit free agency until after the 2020 campaign.

Moving forward, it’s hard not to get excited about a potential outfield consisting of Pederson, Upton and Stewart.

Willie Calhoun

Also included in the deal is 22-year-old second base prospect Willie Calhoun, and the current member of Los Angeles’ Triple-A affiliate is hardly a throw in.

As of late-June, Calhoun ranked as MLB.com’s 71^st-best prospect, just eight spots behind Detroit’s first-round pick from 2016, Matt Manning.

So far in his minor league career, the former fourth-round pick has done nothing but hit.

He’s a career .280 hitter in 1,154 minor league plate appearances. Calhoun has also posted a .343 on-base percentage, a .502 slugging percentage and a .845 OPS.

Additionally, his wRC+ numbers have checked in at 123 or higher in each of his first three professional campaigns.

His ISO stats have routinely come in above the .200 mark in each full season as well.

Plate Production

Like Pederson, Calhoun has been impacted by an unlucky BABIP number. The prospect has a .285 BABIP this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from tearing the cover off the ball.

Calhoun is currently sporting a 123 wRC+ with the Dodgers’ Triple-A squad. In addition to that number, he’s also batting .291 with a .886 on-base percentage and a .259 ISO.

He’s also chipped in with 41 runs scored, 40 RBI, 14 home runs, 13 doubles, five triples and three stolen bases in his first taste of the minors’ highest level.

What’s more, the Yavapai product has also shows an excellent ability to put the ball in play, with just 32 punch outs this year and 65 in 132 games at Double-A in 2016.

Long-Term Fit with the Detroit Tigers

Long term, he could replace Ian Kinsler at second, or move to a different position if the need is there.

Either way, Calhoun will do plenty of hitting at the big league level. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him make his Major League debut at some point in 2017.

Next: Michael Saunders and Jeanmar Gomez are worth fliers for Tigers

How do you feel about a Martinez deal involving Pederson and Calhoun? Let MCB know on Twitter. You can find us at @MCB_Tigers.

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