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.

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.