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Detroit Tigers three most pressing offseason needs

By Ben Rosener

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 1: Pitcher Blaine Hardy #36 of the Detroit Tigers is pulled by manager Brad Ausmus #7 of the Detroit Tigers as catcher John Hicks #55 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the sixth inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on September 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Hardy gave up three runs and five hits in less than three innings of relief. The Indians defeated the Tigers 10-0. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 1: Pitcher Blaine Hardy #36 of the Detroit Tigers is pulled by manager Brad Ausmus #7 of the Detroit Tigers as catcher John Hicks #55 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the sixth inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on September 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Hardy gave up three runs and five hits in less than three innings of relief. The Indians defeated the Tigers 10-0. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – APRIL 19: Shortstop Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base to turn a double play over Steven Souza Jr. #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays to end the first inning of a game on April 19, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Middle infield

The Detroit Tigers need added options in the starting rotation and in the bullpen even if the team largely stands pat and enter 2018 with plenty of holdovers.

Detroit’s needs up the middle are purely dependent on whether second baseman Ian Kinsler and shortstop Jose Iglesias are traded.

According to Spotrac, Kinsler is making $11 million in 2018 before becoming a free agent. Per the same publication, Iglesias will also become a free agent after the season.

What’s more, MLBTradeRumors.com projects that Iglesias will earn $5.6 million next season through arbitration.

If the Tigers are looking to shed even more salary, moving the expiring contracts of both Kinsler and Iglesias is the best way to do it considering neither is a long-term piece.

Trades would in turn create a pair of starting vacancies in the middle of the infield.

Dixon Machado will be Iglesias’ eventual successor at shortstop, but the situation is less clear at second base in terms of a potential Kinsler replacement.

Kody Eaves or Dawel Lugo could conceivably step in, but it might be best not to rush either prospect.

Next: Tigers' CF options as it stands

With a decidedly thin middle-infield portion of the free agent market, Detroit might be better off finding middle infielders in trades or on the waiver wire.

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