Detroit Tigers: Why hasn’t Shane Greene been traded?

Many veterans have been traded away in the last year with the Detroit Tigers in rebuilding mode. Why hasn’t Shane Greene been one of them?

The Detroit Tigers have traded away several veterans since the start of last season. Surprisingly, only Ian Kinsler was added to that list this offseason.

Despite rumors and analysis of teams who might be interested, and players Detroit could potentially get in return, Shane Greene remains a Tiger.

2017 was the first season the Tigers exclusively used Greene as a reliever. The righty responded with his best season as a big leaguer.

In 71 appearances, Greene posted a 2.66 ERA in 67.2 innings, and earned nine saves after taking over the closer role. He added 73 strikeouts (9.7 K/9), and yielded just 50 hits, for a opponent’s batting average below .200.

After a year like that, why weren’t the Detroit Tigers able to cash in on the 29-year old?

With the 2017 Greene had and three years of club control remaining, it seemed likely the Detroit Tigers could get something of value for him. If you’re another team looking at Greene however, there could be concerns.

Problematic Underlying Numbers

Greene had a great ERA, strikeout rate, and opponent’s batting average, but some of his other numbers are problematic. The right-hander issued 34 walks (4.5/9), which is way too high, especially for a late-inning reliever. Greene also stranded base runners at an 84.2% clip, well above league average and above his career norms.

Those two stats suggest future trouble for Greene. If he doesn’t cut down on his walks, his luck is likely to run out, and more of those walks will score. It doesn’t take a math wizard to know that more runs scoring equals a higher ERA.

Asking Price

With the Detroit Tigers rebuilding, GM Al Avila and his staff are trying to gather as much young talent as possible. It’s hard to imagine no one inquiring about Greene, as contending teams are always looking for extra bullpen arms.

What that suggests, is Avila and company’s asking price is too high. Wanting to get the most you can out of a trade is great, but getting something is always better than nothing.

No Obvious Replacement

Are the Tigers worried there is no replacement for Greene as closer? Looking at the current roster, there really isn’t an obvious candidate. Alex Wilson boasts the most experience, but has been horrendous this spring. Joe Jimenez is considered the future closer, but has not shown any success in the major leagues yet.

Most of the other options have very little experience, and/or haven’t been effective during their time in the majors.

Gerson Moreno has been touted as a possible future closer, but struggled when he reached Double-A last year. Even if he is deemed ready, there’s no reason to start his service clock now.

It’s possible the Tigers feel it’s best to hang on to Greene to fill the closer spot. But what good is a closer on a terrible team?

Next: Tigers Offseason Wrap-Up

Shane Greene will make less than two million dollars this year, and won’t be a free agent until 2021. His affordability combined with his 2017 numbers, should have made him a prime trade candidate this offseason.

The Detroit Tigers should have cashed in by now, but it looks like Greene will be coming north with them next week.