Detroit Tigers Rumors: Astros, Brewers and Red Sox linked with Justin Wilson

Detroit Tigers rumors are back in the headlines. With the trade deadline now less than two weeks away, the rumors aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The latest involves closer Justin Wilson.

Detroit Tigers rumors are once again making the rounds.

The team already dealt J.D. Martinez, and could conceivably flip a few more pieces before all is said an done this month.

One of those pieces is closer Justin Wilson, who despite blowing the save in Wednesday’s loss, is having a strong season at the back end of Detroit’s bullpen.

In 36 innings this season, the southpaw has pitched to a 2.75 ERA, a 2.97 FIP and a 3.50 xFIP. He’s also striking out 35.5 of the batters he’s facing and has registered a 0.9 WAR.

All told, Wilson’s strikeout per nine inning rate sits at 12.50. If he maintains that, it would be a career high for the former Pirate and Yankee.

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He’s also missing bats with a career-best 14.5 swinging strike percentage.

The closer ticks plenty of boxes for teams in terms of being left-handed, possessing filthy stuff, having the ability to throw multiple innings and close games.

According to Spotrac, Wilson is controllable through next season, and is making $2.7 million this year.

Per a tweet from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, three teams are in on Wilson.

Morosi tweeted the following on Thursday afternoon:

“Sources: #Astros, #Brewers, #RedSox among teams showing continued interest in #Tigers reliever Justin Wilson. @MLB @MLBNetwork.”

In an ideal world, Detroit will be able to get a significant haul for the southpaw in the event that they deal him.

The Seattle Mariners just acquired reliever David Phelps from the Marlins for four prospects, including promising outfielder Brayan Hernandez.

Like Wilson, Phelps is controllable through next season. The now ex-Miami hurler posted a 0.3 WAR, a 3.45 ERA, a 3.69 FIP, a 3.74 xFIP, a 25.9 strikeout percentage and 9.77 punch outs per nine innings in his time with the Marlins this season.

Considering Wilson has been the superior reliever, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tigers receive a better haul.

Related Story: Best and worst trade partners for Tigers based on hypothetical fits

Reported teams interested

According to Morosi’s tweet, three pennant-chasing teams are interested, the Astros, Brewers and Red Sox.

All three teams have plenty of promising minor league talents who could certainly be fits for the Tigers.

This is all speculative mind you, but for Houston, outfielders Kyle Tucker and Derek Fisher could be fits in the Motor City.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee boasts a number of near Major League-ready position player prospects in outfielder Brett Phillips and middle infielder Mauricio Dubon. Starting pitching prospect Brandon Woodruff, who is currently at Triple-A, could also be a fit.

Boston’s best prospect, Rafael Devers, may be out of the question considering the Red Sox’ glaring hole at third base and the fact that the 20-year-old is already with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Next: Every aspect of the J.D. Martinez deal

Left-handed starter and 2016 first-round pick Jay Groome could be a nice consolation prize.