Detroit Tigers: Best and worst trade partners based on hypothetical fits

Worst: Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are somewhat like the Washington Nationals in terms of potential trade assets.

If Al Avila can somehow get the Diamondbacks to part with 24-year-old starter Taijuan Walker, the Detroit Tigers will certainly benefit.

Walker owns a 3.86 FIP and a 47.9 ground ball percentage. The former Seattle Mariners hurler has also struck out 7.83 batters per nine innings while giving up just 0.82 home runs per nine frames.

Since being taken in the first round by the M’s, Walker has always had the upside to be a front-line starter.

Ketel Marte

After the starter, however, there isn’t much in terms of future assets for the Diamondbacks. Shortstop Ketel Marte, who is only 23 and turned in a 134 wRC+ and a .393 wOBA at Triple-A this year, is intriguing.

Hypothetically speaking though, Detroit would need more than Marte if the team parted with J.D. Martinez or Justin Wilson.

There’s also 2017 first-round pick Pavin Smith, but it seems unlikely he’d be moved so soon.

Simply put, there just isn’t the prospect depth in Arizona’s farm system to match up with a talent like Martinez in a trade.

As of now, Detroit’s system is head-and-shoulders above Arizona’s system in terms of top-tier talent, which should tell you all you need to know.