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

One of the main reasons the Tigers have been hesitant to move Iglesias is a lack of replacements internally. The Tigers have a fair amount of middle infield prospects, but most of them are not ready to start at the big league level.

Utility Options

Dixon Machado might actually be the most likely candidate to take over the starting shortstop duties. The Tigers projected starting second baseman has started over 700 games at shortstop in his professional career, including 25 last year with the Tigers. He is known for his excellent work defensively, and could immediately replace Iglesias as a glove-first, light hitting shortstop.

Of course, that would leave a hole at second base. Niko Goodrum and Alexi Amarista are both competing to be Detroit’s utility infielder this season. Theoretically, either of them could step in to the starting role at second base.

Goodrum has experience all around the diamond, although the majority of his big league innings last season were at second base. The Tigers would not mind seeing what the 26-year-old who is having a hot spring can do in an every day role.

Amarista has played over 1000 innings at second base in the big leagues. He has also played quite a bit at short, so he could slide into either starting role if the Tigers needed him to.

Dawel Lugo

The last option is prospect Dawel Lugo. The 23-year-old has not risen above Double-A and is likely not ready to start at the big league level. However, he is almost certainly going to play at Triple-A Toledo this year, and if he hits well he could find himself on the big league roster. If Iglesias were out of the picture, Lugo’s path to playing time at second base would be considerably more clear.

Next: Mikie Mahtook's No Good, Very Bad Spring

So in conclusion, trading Jose Iglesias to the Twins makes sense for multiple reasons. One, they would clear salary and get prospects back in return. If they don’t move Iglesias, he will sign elsewhere next offseason and the Tigers will not get anything back. Two, it gives them a chance to see what Niko Goodrum, and eventually Dawel Lugo, are made of.

For rebuilding teams, getting playing time for the young players is paramount. This trade helps Detroit do that, while shedding salary and bringing in players who could be future contributors.