Detroit Tigers: Second base replacements if Ian Kinsler is traded

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers turns a double play in the seventh inning during MLB game action as Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 8: Dixon Machado #49 of the Detroit Tigers turns a double play in the seventh inning during MLB game action as Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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Detroit Tigers
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 27: Ian Kinsler #3 of the Detroit Tigers batsl against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 27, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila has shown a willingness to move veteran players to free up money and acquire prospects. If Ian Kinsler is moved, here are a few replacement options the Tigers could explore.

Over the last few months the Detroit Tigers moved quite a bit of the team’s 25-man roster.

Veterans Justin Wilson, Alex Avila, Justin Upton and Justin Verlander were all shipped away in trades to restock the Tigers depleted farm system and save the franchise money.

The Tigers will likely continue shedding salary and acquiring prospects. One player that seems like a trade candidate is second baseman Ian Kinsler, who has already reportedly been linked with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this offseason, according to a tweet from the Detroit Free Press’ Anthony Fenech.

Ian Kinsler has been in the Motor City since 2014, coming over in a trade for slugger Prince Fielder. Kinsler was an All-Star in 2014 and has posted a 17.4 fWAR during his time in Detroit.

Even coming off a down season, replacing Kinsler and his 2.4 fWAR will be a tough task for the Tigers.

If they do end up moving Kinsler, the Tigers could look either internally or externally to replace the former All-Star.

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