Detroit Tigers: Milwaukee Brewers are ideal trade partner if Ian Kinsler is dealt

Detroit Tigers fans could see plenty of trades in the coming months. Among the players who could conceivably be dealt is veteran infielder Ian Kinsler. If he’s moved, Milwaukee is an intriguing fit.

Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler is probably general manager Al Avila’s best trade chip at this point.

After a plethora of veterans were dealt during the season, including Justin Verlander, J.D. Martinez, Justin Upton, Alex Avila and Justin Wilson, Kinsler remains on the rebuilding Tigers.

With one year and $11 million (per Spotrac) left on his deal, the veteran second baseman is a superior option to the players set to comprise the second baseman portion of the free agent market.

Though Kinsler had somewhat of a down season in 2017 at the plate (91 wRC+, .313 wOBA in 613 plate appearances), he still mashed 22 home runs to go along with 90 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

What’s more, the second baseman led all Tigers position players not named Justin Upton with a 2.4 fWAR in 2017.

This was largely due to some solid base running (1.5 BsR) and another strong defensive season at second base (+6 DRS, 7.5 UZR/150).

Trade chip

At 35, Kinsler likely isn’t a fit with Detroit’s rebuild.

The Tigers could always opt to keep him through the first half of next season and rebuild his trade value somewhat ahead of July.

Still, Kinsler has an outstanding track record in the Majors. He has turned in a fWAR above 4.0 in six of the last nine seasons.

That includes a 5.7 number last season, and a cumulative 9.3 fWAR from 2014 to 2015 in Detroit.

One team, and this is all hypothetical mind you, that could be a trade partner for Kinsler is the Milwaukee Brewers.