Detroit Tigers: Exploring Matthew Boyd Trade Scenarios

We’ve already touched on how the Mariners and Tigers could connect on a trade, although at the time Boyd was not considered a trade piece. However, the Mariners have made their desire to acquire Boyd very clear. This connection makes the most sense, as Boyd is from the Seattle area and went to college at nearby Oregon State.

Our friends over at Sodo Mojo, the Mariners FanSided page, proposed a trade. They would acquire Boyd and Niko Goodrum in exchange for first baseman Daniel Vogelbach, right-hander Max Povse, shortstop Bryson Brigman and right-hander Seth Elledge.

Analyzing this Deal

Losing Goodrum would be tough, but the prospect capital the Tigers would be getting in return would make this an even trade. Vogelbach could step right into the gap at first base left when Miguel Cabrera went down with a season-ending injury. At the very least, Vogey could platoon with John Hicks, since Vogelbach hits left-handed. If Vogelbach needs more seasoning at Triple-A, he could step into that role next year while Miggy transitions to DH.

Vogelbach has demonstrated monstrous power in the minor leagues, but has struck out too much at the big league level. However, he hasn’t been given his fair share in the show, and the Tigers could give him that opportunity.

Max Povse

Povse is a six-foot-eight behemoth on the mound. He sports a low-90’s fastball but a plus changeup and a decent 12-6 curveball. He already had a brief cameo in the big leagues last year, and although he has been bad at Triple-A Tacoma this year he’s still rocking an 11.05 K/9. Povse is likely destined for a bullpen role, but has the tools to be an above average contributor in the future.

Bryson Brigman

Brigman would very likely be the prize of this prospect haul. Originally drafted in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Brigman struggled with the stick his first few pro seasons. He was beginning to look like a glove-first, light-hitting utility infielder who can handle shortstop (a la Dixon Machado). That led to him being ranked as the No. 26 prospect in a weak Seattle farm system.

However, 2018 has been a different story. Brigman is slashing .320/.396/.425 at High-A, with ten stolen bases. His .381 BABIP is high, but he also sports a very solid 9.9% walk rate and a low 15% strikeout rate. Brigman is starting to look like a big league regular, and if the Tigers could add him to their slew of middle infield prospects, they’d further bolster a rapidly developing farm system.

Seth Elledge

Lastly, Seth Elledge is a big right-hander with a big fastball. Coming from powerhouse Dallas Baptist, where he is their career leader in saves, Elledge has posted some eye-popping strikeout numbers in the minors. He’s thrown 53 innings across three levels, and has posted 83 strikeouts compared to just 19 walks. That’s good for a 14.09 K/9. He also sports a 0.96 ERA on the year at High-A.

Elledge has all the tools of a future closer, and at the very least would be an excellent set-up man for Joe Jimenez in the future. At 22 years old, Elledge could easily be a quick to the big leagues bullpen arm would could debut as soon as 2019.