Detroit Tigers Rumors: Justin Wilson reportedly linked with Red Sox

Detroit Tigers rumors are once again in the headlines with the trade deadline approaching. The latest rumor involves closer Justin Wilson and the Boston Red Sox.

Detroit Tigers rumors are back.

As the month of July continues to wind down, one Detroit trade candidate is closer Justin Wilson.

Unquestionably Detroit’s best trade chip thanks to his blend of effectiveness, affordability and controllability, Wilson is a shutdown reliever—something every team could use.

Because of this, the market for the left-hander should include plenty of teams.

One team that is reportedly interested is the Boston Red Sox.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted the following on Tuesday night:

“#RedSox showing continued interest in #Tigers reliever Justin Wilson, sources say. @MLB @MLBNetwork.”

It certainly isn’t surprising that the Red Sox are interested in Wilson. The left-hander can close games, miss bats and work multiple innings.

In 39.1 innings for Detroit this season, Wilson is sporting a 0.9 WAR, a 35.7 strikeout percentage, a 2.75 ERA, a 3.22 FIP and a 3.47 xFIP.

He’s also striking out 12.58 batters per nine inning in 41 total appearances.. Since taking over for Francisco Rodriguez, Wilson has recorded 12 saves.

In Boston, Wilson would help form a bridge to closer Craig Kimbrel.

Red Sox relievers currently rank fourth in baseball in xFIP and fifth in WAR and FIP.

Boston’s current options

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In addition to Kimbrel, Boston utilizes a mixture of Matt Barnes, Joe Kelly, heath Hembree, Blaine Boyer and Fernando Abad late in games.

Other bullpen members include Brandon Workman and former Tigers starter Doug Fister.

Red Sox general manager Dave Dombrowski is no stranger to dealing prospects for Major League upgrades, and Wilson would be just that.

Dombrowski has already begun to add pieces for the stretch run. Boston recently picked up infielder Eduardo Nunez in a deal with the San Francisco Giants.

Hypothetical Boston trade fits

This is all speculative mind you, but one prospect who would be a fit in the Motor City long-term is left-hander Jay Groome.

Groome, a left-hander with an excellent three-pitch mix, was the 12^th-overall pick in 2016. He’s still in the low minors, but could be an impact talent down the line.

Elsewhere, third baseman Michael Chavis could be another fit. Currently with Double-A Portland, Chavis is blocked at third base long-term by Rafael Devers.

Boston also has Sam Travis at first base for the future, potentially blocking a switch across the diamond.

Chavis has considerable pop, and has already mashed 24 home runs, 24 doubles and three triples in 90 games this season.

Next: Organization’s next wave of prospects is getting closer

Third base-man Tzu-Wei Lin and relievers Chandler Shepherd and Williams Jerez are three Major-League ready pieces who could also be a fit for the Tigers.