With the trade deadline approaching, which contending teams may have interest in Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias?
As the trade deadline approaches, teams will be calling the Detroit Tigers regarding several players. Matthew Boyd, Michael Fulmer, Shane Greene, Francisco Liriano, and Leonys Martin could all be sent packing by the end of the month. But what about defensive wizard Jose Iglesias?
Detroit inked Iglesias to a one-year deal in January to avoid arbitration. The 28-year old becomes a free agent after the season. With General Manager Al Avila admitting Iglesias does not fit in the team’s long-term plans, it makes sense for the Tigers to deal him.
Finding a new home for the Cuban shortstop has become somewhat of a cottage industry here at Motor City Bengals. Over the last several months, our own Andy Patton analyzed potential trades to the Padres, Twins, and Dodgers.
New Developments
Over the last couple months, a few things changed in regards to teams’ possible interest in Iglesias. For one, he’s in the midst of his best offensive season in a few years. Through 88 games, Iglesias sports a .274/.310/.381 slash line, the best he’s been in all three categories since earning an All-Star nod in 2015.
Iglesias has stolen 12 bases, already establishing a new career-high. He’s also on pace to surpass or at least challenge his previous career-highs in hits, runs, doubles, and RBIs.
The other factor looming in a potential Iglesias trade is the availability of Manny Machado. Baltimore appears extremely likely to deal their superstar shortstop, with suitors lining up to try and acquire the four-time All-Star.
Teams looking to acquire a shortstop may wait until Machado is off the board to ask about Iglesias. There’s only one of him to go around, so several will miss out in the Machado sweepstakes. That leaves Iglesias as one of the best remaining options.
Here are a few teams who could come calling for the Detroit Tigers shortstop as the deadline nears: