Detroit Tigers: Exploring Matthew Boyd Trade Scenarios

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DUNEDIN, FL – FEBRUARY 27: Billy McKinney #71 of the New York Yankees slides safely into second base after the ball was dropped by Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning of a Grapefruit League spring training game at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on February 27, 2018 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

It’s no secret the Yankees are looking for a left-handed starting pitcher. After losing Jordan Montgomery for the season, the Bronx Bombers want a lefty who can help neutralize the Red Sox, who have struggled against left-handed pitching all season.

We proposed a Francisco Liriano to New York deal recently, but Boyd might fetch a bigger haul due to his low-cost and team control. Of course, New York may prefer a one year rental since Montgomery is expected back next season.

However, if New York does decide they want the young, cost-controlled Boyd, they certainly have the prospect capital to make a trade happen.

Billy McKinney

The Tigers farm system is flush with pitching. While there’s alway room to grow in that regard, Detroit should focus on some of New York’s position prospects. One player they could target in a return is left-handed outfielder Billy McKinney.

McKinney is only hitting .209 at Triple-A this year, but he has nine home runs in just 31 games. The lanky outfielder has a sweet swing from the left side. He’s battled some injury issues in the past, but optimistic scouts still see him as a .280 hitter who can contribute 20 home runs. He reminds me a lot of Kole Calhoun, although he has a ways to go defensively to reach that comp. In fact, he may be forced into a left field role in the big leagues unless he can work on his arm strength. Still, McKinney would be a nice outfielder prospect to add alongside Christin Stewart, Mike Gerber, Daz Cameron and the rest.

Mike Ford

Mike Ford is a first base prospect that the Detroit Tigers could consider in a potential Matthew Boyd trade. Ford was selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Mariners, but returned before the season began. He is at Triple-A currently, boasting an 11% walk-rate and eight home runs in just 54 games. He has some of the best plate discipline in the entire minor leagues, with a walk rate over 10% at every minor league stop. Ford hit 20 home runs in 126 games between AA and AAA last season, with a staggering 94 walks compared to just 72 strikeouts.

The Yankees system, like Detroit’s, is also flush with pitching. A few other names the Tigers could target include Domingo Acevedo, Dillon Tate, Cody Carroll and Trevor Stephan.

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