Detroit Tigers: Exploring Leonys Martin trade scenarios

This is probably the least like trade scenario, although the Indians are the most outfield needy team that is in contention. Bradley Zimmer, Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer are all playing quite a bit in Cleveland, with Rajai Davis and Greg Allen seeing the field as well. That’s not a great recipe for success in the outfield, and Cleveland could really use a steady outfield presence like Martin to patrol CF.

Still, the odds of the Tigers sending a useful piece to a division rival are extremely slim. Even slimmer are the odds that Cleveland will want to send any sort of prospect with potential to Detroit. Having to watch a player you once possessed perform well against you 20 times per season is not ideal, and is the reason inter-division trades are very rare.

That’s why the two teams have only connected on seven trades since 2000, with the only notable one being the Jhonny Peralta trade back in 2010.

Potential Return?

If the Indians and Tigers did decide to bury the hatchet and try to work out a deal, a few prospects the Tigers could consider include 17-year-old outfielder George Valera, 19-year-old shortstop Tyler Freeman and – if they are really feeling bold – former first overall pick Brady Aiken.

Next: Exploring Matthew Boyd Trade Scenarios

The Detroit Tigers are in an enviable trade situation with Martin. Although the need for outfielders around the league is slim, the Tigers could choose to hold Martin and either look to deal him in the offseason, or bring him back again next year. If a team were hit with an injury and needed an outfielder, Detroit would have leverage in any potential trades.

Martin is a nice bridge for the rebuild, so there’s no rush to trade him. If he can bring in a nice haul of prospects, even better.