Detroit Tigers: Five hypothetical trade candidates

Anibal Sanchez

Age: 33
Position: Starting pitcher
2017 contract, per Spotrac: $16 million
2017 stat of note: 2.72 FIP in the last month

As of now, the Detroit Tigers’ recent eight-game losing streak isn’t looking great. The slide sunk Detroit’s record on the year.

However, one silver-lining to come out of the ordeal was the resurgence of Anibal Sanchez the starting pitcher.

Used primarily as a reliever before heading to Triple-A, Sanchez has looked strong in his return to the rotation.

In four starts since making his way back to the Tigers, Sanchez owns a 0.8 WAR, a 3.09 ERA and a 2.72 FIP in 23.1 innings. He also struck out 8.49 batters per nine innings over the same span.

Additionally, the starter walked just 1.54 hitters per nine frames.

This recent run of good form could improve Sanchez’ standing as a potential trade chip.

The solid results could conceivably help Detroit eventually deal him and get out of his salary, which before the resurgence was looking like a contractual albatross.

Somewhat similar to Wilson, Detroit has a ready-made replacement for Sanchez waiting in the wings.

Matt Boyd posted a 4.76 FIP in 11 starts for Detroit earlier in the season, but has turned in some strong numbers since being demoted to Toledo.

Over the course of 44.1 innings (seven starts), Boyd is striking out 9.14 batters per nine innings to go along with a 2.23 ERA and a 3.53 xFIP.