Detroit Tigers: Predicting Ian Kinsler’s trade market

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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 15: Mikie Mahtook #15 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers, Ian Kinsler #3 of the Detroit Tigers, Shane Greene #61 of the Detroit Tigers and Jeimer Candelario #46 of the Detroit Tigers after hitting a walk-off single in the ninth inning to drive in Candelario and defeat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 at Comerica Park on September 15, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Trade chips

One is closer Shane Greene, one is shortstop Jose Iglesias and another is second baseman Ian Kinsler.

It remains to be seen if players like Greene, Michael Fulmer or Mikie Mahtook are traded considering all three are controllable for the long haul.

Per Spotrac, Greene is controllable through 2020, Mahtook through 2021 and Fulmer through 2020.

It’s very possible that all three could be part of the next great Detroit Tigers team. This makes them somewhat less likely to be traded.

On the other hand, there’s Iglesias and Kinsler.

Short-term deals

According to Spotrac, the shortstop will go through arbitration once more before becoming a free agent following the 2018 campaign.

Meanwhile, Kinsler (according to the same publication) will make $11 million in 2018 before becoming a free agent himself.

Despite a down year at the dish (91 wRC+ and a .313 on-base percentage), Kinsler still mashed 22 home runs to go along with 14 stolen bases.

His 2.4 WAR led all Tigers players still on the roster at season’s end.

While Kinsler didn’t have his best season at the plate, it’s his only real down campaign in the last five years.

It still remains to be seen if Kinsler is dealt, but because of that track record, Detroit should be able to get a promising return in any trade involving the second baseman.

Here’s a look at the clubs who could be trade fits for Kinsler.