Detroit Tigers: Houston Astros trade fits and hypothetical targets
By Ben Rosener
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fmotorcitybengals-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F688474500-detroit-tigers-v-houston-astros-jpg-f91057eff2853921f078eb18153709de.jpg)
James Hoyt
Age: 30
Position: Relief pitcher
Controllable through: 2022
2017 stat of note: 18.3 swinging strike percentage
Having only been in the Major Leagues for two seasons hasn’t stopped James Hoyt from missing bats at an excellent rate.
The hard-throwing right-hander owns a 37.9 strikeout percentage, 14.42 punch outs per nine frames and a 18.3 swinging strike percentage.
He’d immediately slot in as a late-inning option for manager Brad Ausmus, helping the Detroit Tigers potentially replace Justin Wilson in the process.
Kyle Tucker
Age: 20
Position: Outfielder
Current minor league affiliate: Double-A Corpus Christi
2017 stat of note: .922 OPS
One of the top outfield prospects in baseball, Tucker is currently sporting a .908 OPS in 36 games again competition in Double-A that is on average over four years older than him.
Tucker has also added 25 runs scored, 20 RBI, 10 doubles, eight home runs, six stolen bases and a triple.
Overall, he’s collected 63 RBI, 56 runs scored, 35 walks, 22 doubles, 19 stolen bases, 17 home runs and five triples in 367 plate appearances.
A solid fielder, Tucker looks like a potential franchise cornerstone.
Next: This National League West team is reportedly interested in J.D.
Considering Tucker is already thriving at Double-A, the team could bring him to the Majors early if they acquired him, or bring him along slowly behind the likes of Upton, Mahtook, Stewart and Alex Presley.