Detroit Tigers: Exploring Matthew Boyd Trade Scenarios

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KANSAS CITY, MO – MAY 6: Matthew Boyd #48 of the Detroit Tigers throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

The Detroit Tigers remain likely to sell at the trade deadline. Although they don’t have to move Matthew Boyd, he’s a hot commodity in the rumor mill.

It’s long been speculated that the Detroit Tigers’ one-year rentals, a la Mike Fiers, Francisco Liriano and Leonys Martin, will be moved at or before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Impending free agent Jose Iglesias could be moved as well, along with relievers Shane Greene, Alex Wilson and hybrid pitcher Blaine Hardy.

One name that was not expected to be moved until recently is surprising left-hander Matthew Boyd. Boyd is under team control through 2022 and costs virtually nothing. He’s also been Detroit’s best starter this season. In 15 starts, Boyd has a 4.15 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. He also sports a 7.54 K/9 and a 3.61 BB/9.

The Detroit Tigers don’t need to move Boyd. In fact, Boyd is the perfect low-cost arm to have in the rotation for the next few years while the stud prospects (Alex Faedo, Franklin Perez, Casey Mize, Beau Burrows, Matt Manning, etc.) continue to develop in the minors. With that in mind, any deal would have to overwhelm them.

Why Trading Boyd Makes Sense

However, a 27-year-old left-hander who is under team control through 2022 and is having a very solid season will be valuable on the trade market. Teams have already come calling about Boyd. A bidding war could certainly bring his price tag up high enough that the Tigers could move him and continue to grow their budding farm system.

Here are a few teams that are expected to be interested in obtaining Boyd, and some prospects the Tigers could target in return:

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