Detroit Tigers: Is Jose Iglesias a good fit for the Twins?

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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat with an official postseason logo is seen on the bat rack in the udgout againstthe New York Yankees during game four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Any return for Iglesias will be predicated by how much of Iggy’s contract the Tigers are willing to eat. Iglesias is owed $6.25 million in 2018, which is an overpay for a player expected to post a 1.5 fWAR.

The Tigers will have to decide if they want to eat most/all of Iggy’s contract in order to acquire higher profile prospects, or if they want to shed the contract and acquire less heralded prospects.

This is similar to what they faced with Ian Kinsler. At that time, the Tigers decided to shed all of Kinsler’s contract, which netted them two prospects ranked in LA’s top 30. They will likely try and push most or all of Iggy’s contract on the Twins, knowing that the return will be less heralded prospects.

The Detroit Tigers have a farm system loaded with high-level pitching talent, but lacking in position player depth. Here are a couple position player prospects in Minnesota’s farm that the Tigers could target for Iglesias.

Jose Miranda – Second Base

The Twins drafted Miranda in the second round in 2016. He hit .283 with a league-leading 11 home runs in Rookie ball last year. A 19-year-old second baseman with power is always worth taking a gamble on. Plus, Minnesota is stacked with middle infield prospects so they may be willing to part with him.

Jacob Pearson – Outfield

The 19-year-old outfielder was acquired by the Twins from the Angels in exchange for international slot money, which the Halos used to sign superstar Shoehei Ohtani. Pearson hit .225 in rookie ball last season but was a third round pick, so there is potential here.

Yunior Severino – Second Base

Signed by the Twins after the Braves were forced to release him, Severino hit .286 with 17 doubles in just 189 at-bats in rookie ball. He’s only 18, but like Miranda he’s an intriguing middle infielder with some pop. Worth the gamble.

T.J. White – Third Base

The 26-year-old White hit .276 with 14 home runs and a 144 wRC+ at Double-A last season. The former 18th round pick has posted strong walk rates in the minors and could be brought in as depth in the upper minors.

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