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

Best: Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs probably would have been in contention with the Dodgers for best trade fit had they not dealt two of their best prospects (outfielder Eloy Jimenez and starter Dylan Cease) to the White Sox in the Jose Quintana swap.

Chicago’s top prospect now is likely Jeimer Candelario, a promising hitter, who owns a .852 OPS  in 281 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa.

He’s also tacked on 42 RBI, 36 extra-base hits, 34 walks and 32 runs scored.

Candelario plays third and first base. However, he probably won’t get consistent at-bats in the Windy City long-term because of, you know, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

In that regard, the 23-year-old is a fit.

Position players

Other prospective prospect fits include Triple-A outfielder Mark Zagunis, whose penchant for drawing walks is on full display in Iowa.

In 72 games, the 2014 third-round pick has drawn 53 free passes compared to 65 strikeouts in 298 plate appearances. That’s good for a stellar .403 on-base percentage.

Elsewhere, young position players Kyle Schwarber and Alberto Almora Jr. are potential fits with Detroit long-term.

The fact that Chicago has so many potential position player building blocks should appeal to the Detroit Tigers, an organization that is heavy on pitching prospects.