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Detroit Tigers Rumors: Jose Iglesias a trade candidate?

By Ben Rosener

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers turns the double play after forcing out Guillermo Heredia #5 of the Seattle Mariners at second base on a ball hit by Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning of a game at Safeco Field on June 19, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 6-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers turns the double play after forcing out Guillermo Heredia #5 of the Seattle Mariners at second base on a ball hit by Nelson Cruz #23 of the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning of a game at Safeco Field on June 19, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 6-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers rumors are back in the headlines. With the non-waiver trade deadline approaching, the latest rumor involves Detroit’s shortstop.

Detroit Tigers rumors continue to swirl.

Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline is just around the corner, and the Tigers could conceivably trade away some pieces.

Outfielder J.D. Martinez has already been moved, and left-handed reliever and closer extraordinaire Justin Wilson could also be dealt.

Additional, hypothetical trade candidates include catcher Alex Avila and starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

Shortstop Jose Iglesias is another name to watch.

ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted the following on Thursday:

"“There is some sentiment in the market that Tigers SS will be moved before the deadline.”"

Of all Detroit’s potential trade chips, Iglesias may be one of the easier players to replace.

The shortstop is an excellent fielder, as evidenced by his 13 DRS,15.4 UZR/150 and 7.7 UZR in 732.1 defensive innings.

However, he’s been inconsistent at the plate, having compiled a 69 wRC+, a .277 wOBA and a .287 on-base percentage in 324 plate appearances.

What’s more, the Tigers have a ready-made replacement in Dixon Machado.

Dixon Machado

Machado has only played in 71 Major League games in the past three seasons, but he flashes similar to defensive upside to Iglesias.

He also showed well at the plate in limited action this year.

In 82 plate appearances in 2017, Machado has turned in a 92 wRC+, a .312 wOBA and a .333 on-base percentage.

The 25-year-old has also chipped in with nine runs scored, seven RBI, three extra-base hits, a .723 OPS and a .078 ISO.

He looks like the team’s shortstop of the future and should get an extended look down the stretch in the event that Iglesias is dealt.

Related Story: Justin Wilson linked with Red Sox

Monetary savings

With the Tigers looking to shed payroll, moving Iglesias would certainly help. According to Spotrac, the 27-year-old is making $4.1 million this season.

This is all speculative mind you, but his salary isn’t too expensive in the sense that Detroit would have to eat money to move him.

Hypothetical market

As it stands, there aren’t too many teams looking for shortstop help.

San Diego stands out as a potential fit, but it is unclear if the Padres—currently mired in the National League West cellar—will make any additions.

Miami, a team that flipped Adeiny Hechavarria to Tampa Bay earlier this season, could also be a fit.

However, like San Diego, it is unclear if the Marlins will make any additions at the deadline having already dealt Hechavarria and reliever David Phelps.

Next: Tigers prospects are getting closer

Baltimore, if they decide to buy, is another speculative fit. Orioles’ shortstops rank 29th in the league in WAR.

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