Detroit Tigers: Houston Astros trade fits and hypothetical targets

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 25: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Detroit Tigers receives high five from third base coach Dave Clark #25 qfter hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 25, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 25: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Detroit Tigers receives high five from third base coach Dave Clark #25 qfter hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 25, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 16: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros fields a ground ball off the bat of Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park on June 16, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 16: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros fields a ground ball off the bat of Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park on June 16, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Alex Bregman

Age: 23
Positions: Third base and shortstop
Controllable through: 2022
2017 stat of note: 103 wRC+

Of all of Houston’s young players at the Major League level, Bregman may be one of the least likely to be dealt given his age, upside and the fact that he isn’t even eligible for arbitration for two more seasons.

Still though, the fit is there with the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit could immediately plug in the former second-overall pick at third base or shortstop. His arrival would allow the Tigers to shop Nicholas Castellanos or Jose Iglesias for additional assets.

While Bregman’s numbers in 2017 (.253 batting average, .752 OPS, 103 wRC+, .162 ISO) have dropped somewhat from his stats in his debut season (.264 batting average, .791 OPS, 112 wRC+, .214 ISO), the LSU product has upped his walk rate and lowered his strikeout percentage.

In 337 plate appearances this season, the infielder has improved his walk percentage from 6.9% to 10.1%.

He’s also dropped his 24% strikeout rate to 16.9% this year.

This is promising to see, especially considering Bregman is still only 23.

The Houston standout would immediately give Detroit another bat able to hit towards the middle of the lineup and build around for the future.