Detroit Tigers: Exploring potential Shane Greene to San Francisco trades

Kelby Tomlinson

One big league player the Tigers could target from San Francisco would be middle infielder Kelby Tomlinson.

Tomlinson is 27, which probably puts him outside of Detroit’s competition window. However, he is currently pre-arbitration and is under team control through 2021.

His age is a factor, but he has posted solid numbers in the last three years in San Francisco and has enough versatility that he could slide right into an Andrew Romine-like role in Detroit.

Tomlinson saw time at second base, shortstop, third base and left field last year.

In 194 at-bats, he hit .258 with a 76 wRC+. However, he posted a very strong 10.4% walk-rate and also stole nine bases.

Additionally, he gets positive marks defensively everywhere that he plays.

Adding a player like Tomlinson would give the Tigers someone who could compete with Dixon Machado for the starting role at second base. If Machado wins the job, Tomlinson would fill in as a super-sub.

Adding to the trade

Greene for Tomlinson would not be enough straight up to entice the Tigers to make a trade.

However, if the Tigers wanted to acquire someone who has big league experience and can step right into a prominent role on the team, Tomlinson would fit that bill.

They would probably target one or two prospects along with Tomlinson to complete the trade.

A few options include:

Kelvin Beltre – The 21-year-old middle infielder hit .253 with 15 stolen bases and six home runs in A-ball last year. He played second base exclusively last year, but has experience at shortstop and third base.

Per MLB Pipeline:

"Beltre originally caught San Francisco’s eye with his quick right-handed bat, and his outstanding bat speed gives him plus raw power. He could hit 15 homers per season if he adds strength and tones down his aggressive approach."

Gio Brusa – Brusa was a sixth round pick in the 2016 draft. He hit 17 home runs in High-A ball last year, although he lacks a defensive profile and will likely be a designated hitter in the majors.

D.J. Snelten – An 80 grade name, Snelten found his calling as a reliever last season in the minors. He posted a 2.42 ERA at Triple-A last year. The 25-year-old left-hander could compete for a bullpen spot as soon as 2018.

Garrett Williams – Williams has been a starter in the minors up to this point, but many scouts think he is destined for the bullpen. The left-hander has a hard fastball and a 12-6 curveball, but has struggled with his command in the past. Think a slightly more in control, lower velocity version of Jairo Labourt.

If the Tigers choose to focus on obtaining high profile prospects, they can do that too. Here are some options that may suit them: