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Detroit Tigers: Four trade ideas involving Jordan Zimmermann

ByBen Rosener|
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 23: Jordan Zimmermann #27 of the Detroit Tigers throws a first inning pitch while playing the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on August 23, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 23: Jordan Zimmermann #27 of the Detroit Tigers throws a first inning pitch while playing the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on August 23, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – JULY 1: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays turns a double play in the sixth inning during MLB game action as Chris Young #30 of the Boston Red Sox slides into second base at Rogers Centre on July 1, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JULY 1: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays turns a double play in the sixth inning during MLB game action as Chris Young #30 of the Boston Red Sox slides into second base at Rogers Centre on July 1, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Troy Tulowitzki

Remaining salary per Spotrac: $54 million through 2020 with a $15 million team option for 2021

The Tigers have a shortstop for foreseeable future in Dixon Machado, not to mention a long-term shortstop in Isaac Paredes.

Paredes spent 2017 impressing against significantly older competition (3.2 years on average) in the Midwest League.

Eventually, Detroit could go with Machado and Paredes at the two middle infield positions, but Paredes is a few years away from contributing to the Tigers.

Tulowitzki could slide over to second base to replace Ian Kinsler and serve as a bridge to Paredes. There’s also the possibility that Tulo eventually bounces back and becomes a trade chip in his own right.

Toronto currently has Ryan Goins at shortstop, and could use the starting pitching.

Marco Estrada is currently slated for free agency after this current season, while J.A. Happ will be pitching on an expiring deal in 2018.

Jacoby Ellsbury

Remaining salary per Spotrac: $63,428,571 through 2020. $21 million club option for 2021

With Mikie Mahtook the only established starter in the outfield, the Detroit Tigers could use some added outfield help while the team’s prospects develop.

Ellsbury has just a .331 on-base percentage and a .717 OPS since joining the Yankees after turning in a .342 on-base percentage and a .760 OPS in his Red Sox career.

Like Zimmermann, he has no-trade protection, but the fit is there for Ellsbury to serve as a placeholder in the outfield so Detroit doesn’t have to rush the likes of Christin Stewart, Mike Gerber, Daz Cameron and Derek Hill.

It would also give the Tigers a Jacoby and a JaCoby in the outfield, so that’s fun.

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