Detroit Tigers: Winter Meetings Day 2 Roundup

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 14: Michael Fulmer
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 14: Michael Fulmer
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The Yankees and Rangers have expressed interest in acquiring Tigers starting Pitcher Michael Fulmer during Winter Meetings, per several reports.

The Detroit Tigers have openly expressed not trading away the starting pitcher unless the potential team is aggressive and has the right prospects. Second Baseman Ian Kinsler, however, is one player expected to be gone by the end of Winter Meetings.

The Detroit Tigers are actively exchanging his name with other teams, per SB Nation’s Bless You Boys.  On Day 1 of the Winter Meetings, Avila expressed confidence in trading away the second baseman when it’s all said and done.

Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reported that Joe Jimenez has spent the winter so far in Lakeland and lost 20-25 pounds as a result of working out. The Detroit Tigers had expressed concern to Jimenez about his weight and he listened.

It also seems that the Detroit Tigers are in the mix for Fernando Rodney according to Chris Cotillo:

Former Tiger J.D. Martinez who is a free agent and a prized one, finally arrived at the Winter Meetings yesterday. He slugged 45 homers last season and the Red Sox are rumored to be heavy suitors for him.

Here are some more rumors and updates from around Day 2 of the Winter Meetings.

The Milwaukee Brewers are looking to add to their depleted starting rotation-one name in the mix is Chris Archer.

That’s according to Ken Rosenthal, and Adam McCalvy of MLB.com quoted GM David Stearn that the Brewers have made several offers for starting pitchers.

Archer has a career ERA of 3.63 with a record of 51-63, while wins are important, Archer has had at least 233 Ks in each of the last three seasons behind the 10th-worst run support last season, and the second-worst last season.

The Rays are rebuilding and Archer still has some value left for them to get in return. If the Brewers aren’t able to acquire Archer, Gerrit Cole is another name that has been thrown around as of interest to the Brewers during the Winter Meetings.

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Chicago Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber drove all the way to the Winter Meetings from his home in Tampa.

Upon arriving, Schwarber spoke with Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer about batting leadoff for the Cubs per Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.

Last season, Schwarber struggled in the leadoff or the Chicago Cubs, batting .190 in 37 games at the leadoff spot. Schwarber ended up finishing the season better-after a demotion to the minors he ended up with a .211 average, 30 homers and 59 RBIs for the Cubs

Jason Heyward has started working out with the Chicago Cubs new hitting coach, something that Skipper Joe Maddon doesn’t expect to have a big impact, per Carrie Muskat:

“It’ll be something subtle, and it’s just a matter of them clicking on the right thought and Jason being able to take it into a game,” Maddon said.

Both Brandon Morrow and former Tiger Drew Smyly ended up signing with the Cubs as well.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 21: Chase Headley
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 21: Chase Headley /

The Padres made the biggest move of Day 2 during the Winter Meetings swinging a deal with the Yankees.

First, the Padres acquired Chase Headley, and Brian Mitchell from the Yankees. Then, they sent Ryan Schimpf to the Tampa Bay Rays. The buzz is that they’re not done and have a real interest in acquiring free-agent Eric Hosmer.

Last season in Kansas City, Hosmer batted .318/.385/.498 with 25 homers and is considered to be an elite free-agent this offseason. Wil Myers is the current first baseman in San Diego and is reportedly willing to move to the outfield if needed.

The Padres currently have one of the smaller payrolls in MLB and adding Hosmer would certainly change that.

Next: Kinsler Trade Should Happen During Winter Meetings

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