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

By Ben Rosener

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 14: Ian Kinsler #3 of the Detroit Tigers hits a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on September 14, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 14: Ian Kinsler #3 of the Detroit Tigers hits a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on September 14, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Eric Sogard #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with Ryan Braun #8 home plate on a RBI triple hit by Neil Walker during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park on September 28, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Eric Sogard #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with Ryan Braun #8 home plate on a RBI triple hit by Neil Walker during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park on September 28, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

The Brewers

Milwaukee was previously linked with the Detroit Tigers second baseman back in July.

On July 25, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweeted the following:

"“Source: #Tigers, #Brewers engaged in ongoing discussions involving Ian Kinsler and Justin Wilson; trade is not imminent. @MLB @MLBNetwork.”"

In need of a second baseman at the time, the Brewers eventually traded for Neil Walker just a few weeks later.

Walker was plenty productive in his return to the National League Central.

The longtime Pirate notched a 125 wRC+ and a .409 on-base percentage down the stretch in 149 plate appearances for his new employers.

However, Walker is set for free agency this offseason, as is fellow Milwaukee second baseman Eric Sogard (1.1 fWAR, 108 wRC+ and a 15.1 walk percentage in 299 plate appearances).

Need at second base

It obviously remains to be seen if the team re-signs either player or if one or both return to the Brewers.

That being said, if both depart, Milwaukee will be left with just Jonathan Villar at second base.

The team could always shift Hernan Perez to the position on occasion, but both Villar and Perez struggled at the plate last season.

Villar registered a 71 wRC+ despite also posting a .330 BABIP. Meanwhile, Perez’ wRC+ of 78 wasn’t much better. His .289 on-base percentage wasn’t anything to write home about.

However, Milwaukee may opt to play the former Tiger in the outfield corners where he grades as an above-average defender.

The need could be there for Kinsler in Milwaukee.

Luckily for the Detroit Tigers, the Brewers have a number of promising trade chips.

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