Detroit Tigers rumors: Diamondbacks reportedly interested in J.D. Martinez

Detroit Tigers rumors are back in the headlines. With the trade deadline at the end of July coming fast, there have been plenty of rumors in the news. The latest involves J.D. Martinez.

Detroit Tigers rumors are here once again.

With a record below .500 and numerous teams ahead of them in the standings, Tigers players’ names have been bandied about in rumors.

The latest name of a Detroit standout to make an appearance in the rumor mill is outfielder J.D. Martinez.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted the following on Saturday afternoon:

“Sources: #DBacks showing interest in J.D. Martinez, among other available bats. Talks are not serious yet. @MLBNetwork @MLB #Tigers.”

Martinez has been excellent for Detroit this season, hitting 15 home runs in 224 plate appearances spread over 55 games.

The slugger is also pacing the Tigers with a .316 ISO and a 159 wRC+. His WAR currently sits at 1.6, while his on-base percentage checks in at .384.

A free agent after the season, Martinez is making $11.75 million in 2017—according to Spotrac. 

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Dealing him would certainly help Detroit save some money. A potential trade would also clear the way for Christin Stewart to take over the position on a full-time basis in 2018.

Stewart, a power hitter in his own right who also has a penchant for drawing walks, is on a tear at Double-A Erie.

In his second stop at the level, the former first-round pick is batting .269 with a .348 on-base percentage, a .531 slugging percentage and a .879 OPS.

Entering Saturday, only five players in the minors had collected more home runs than Stewart.

Hypothetically speaking, is Arizona a good trade fit?

Yes and now.

The Diamondbacks certainly have a need in the outfield, but they are lacking a bit in terms of trade assets.

After draining the farm system in deals for Shelby Miller and Jean Segura in 2016, there isn’t a ton of top-tier prospects in Arizona’s farm system.

In fact, the case can be made that Detroit’s system is much farther along than the Diamondbacks’ in terms of depth and top-end talent.

While Arizona is lacking in prospects, the team does have a number of young, controllable players who could be fits in the Motor City.

This is all speculative mind you, but Taijuan Walker (24), Archie Bradley (24) and Ketel Marte (23) are all conceivable fits.

However, Walker is in the team’s rotation, Bradley is a key relief piece and Marte is bench cog.

Next: Statistical leaders from first half

If Arizona does chose to add at the trade deadline, it will be interesting to see how much they’re willing to give up to improve given the team’s thin farm system.