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Detroit Tigers: Three hypothetical Ian Kinsler trades involving the Angels

By Andy Patton

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 7: Ian Kinsler #3 of the Detroit Tigers singles to left field in the tenth inning for the game winning hit during the game against the Toronto Blue Jay on June 7, 2016 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 3-2. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 7: Ian Kinsler #3 of the Detroit Tigers singles to left field in the tenth inning for the game winning hit during the game against the Toronto Blue Jay on June 7, 2016 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 3-2. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Ian Kinsler #3 after turning a triple play in the sixth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Ian Kinsler for Blake Wood

The final scenario involves the Detroit Tigers taking a salaried Major League player back from the Angels in exchange for Kinsler.

This seems like the least likely scenario. The Tigers are trying to cut costs and get younger, so adding a veteran doesn’t make sense.

However, one hypothetical option that could work involves the Tigers receiving relief pitcher Blake Wood in exchange for Kinsler.

Wood is projected by MLBTradeRumors to earn $2.2M via arbitration next season and would slot into the Tigers bullpen.

The 32-year-old posted a 10.17 K/9 last season with an ugly 5.45 ERA thanks to a very low 64.6% left on-base rate and a very high .369 BABIP.

FIP and xFIP pegged Wood as much better than the results showed at 3.67 and 3.54, respectively.

The Tigers would conceivably want prospects along with Wood in exchange for Kinsler.

However, this deal would alleviate some of the financial burden on the Angels while giving the Tigers a major league relief pitcher to pitch out of their depleted bullpen next season.

Next: FA who could make for intriguing depth adds for Tigers

It is hard to say which trade is best for Detroit, as each has their pro’s and con’s. The Angels have a need at second base, making it at least plausible that Kinsler will be back in the AL West in 2018.

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