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Detroit Tigers: Five hypothetical trade candidates

By Ben Rosener

DETROIT, MI - JULY 4: Justin Wilson #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on July 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Wilson recorded his ninth save in the Tigers 5-3 win. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JULY 4: Justin Wilson #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on July 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Wilson recorded his ninth save in the Tigers 5-3 win. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 4: Justin Wilson #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on June 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Wilson recorded his second win in a 7-4 victory over the White Sox. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Justin Wilson

Age: 29
Position: Closer
2017 contract, per Spotrac: $2.7 million
2017 stat of note: 38.7 strikeout percentage

Last season, the Yankees were able to net top-tier prospects in outfielder Clint Frazier and starting pitcher Justus Sheffield, as well as two prospects close to the Majors in hurlers J.P. Feyereisen and Ben Heller for Andrew Miller.

While Wilson isn’t quite as dominant as Miller, or as controllable as the former Tiger was at the time of the trade, he could still bring in a significant haul.

Detroit’s flame-throwing closer is turning in career stats so far in 2017. His 13.22 punch outs per nine innings, 14.8 swinging strike percentage and 37.8 strikeout percentage are all on track to be career bests.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s also posted a 0.92 WHIP to go along with a 2.54 SIERA and a 2.91 FIP in 32.2 frames.

Of all the players the Tigers could trade this summer, Wilson may actually be the easiest to replace.

Shane Greene can easily slide into the closer’s role, while Rondon and Alex Wilson can pitch the eighth.

Detroit can also use the opportunity to give Joe Jimenez invaluable experience down the stretch late in games to get him ready for a larger role in 2018.

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