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

ByBen Rosener|
Jun 20, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a solo-home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a solo-home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Glendale Desert Dogs infielder Willie Calhoun of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Scottsdale Scorpions during an Arizona Fall League game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Glendale Desert Dogs infielder Willie Calhoun of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Scottsdale Scorpions during an Arizona Fall League game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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 71st-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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