Detroit Tigers: Exploring trade options with the Chicago Cubs

The Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs connected on a trade last July, could they be looking to make another one this summer?

Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila and Cubs GM Theo Epstein are familiar with one another. The duo completed a trade almost exactly one year ago, where the Tigers sent catcher Alex Avila and reliever Justin Wilson to the Cubs in exchange for Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes.

Tigers fans have been more than happy with how that trade has turned out. Perhaps then another trade could be agreed upon between the two teams.

Theo Epstein had a lot to say about what he and his staff are thinking for this upcoming trade deadline. He emphasized upgrading their pitching, both in the rotation and in the bullpen. He also mentioned trying to find a guy who can play defense and steal a base, although he predicted that would be more of an August move. Lastly, he stated that he doesn’t envision the team making any big moves, as the team has traded away quite a few of their top prospects in recent years.

The Detroit Tigers seem like a good trade partner in a handful of different ways. Here are three players the Cubs could consider trading for, and what a potential return could look like.

Mike Fiers

Fiers is perhaps Detroit’s most likely trade candidate, having already been connected to the A’s and the Red Sox. The Cubs make a lot of sense here, with Epstein wanting to shore up their rotation without giving up too much prospect capital.

Fiers is currently sporting a 3.49 ERA with a 6.65 K/9 and a career-low 1.95 BB/9. He could step right into Chicago’s rotation, or serve as a long-man if needed.

Shane Greene

Greene would be of service to the Cubs, particularly now that incumbent closer Brandon Morrow is on the disabled list. The Tigers are quite familiar with sending their current closer to Chicago, having done it last season with Justin Wilson.

Greene has a 3.86 ERA and 20 saves on the season. He is posting a 9.64 K/9 and like Fiers, a career-low 2.36 BB/9. He could step into a late-inning role for Chicago, and a much-needed one at that.

Leonys Martin

Chicago has gone down this road before, acquiring Martin at the trade deadline last year where he stumbled tremendously after coming to Chicago. They may be hesitant to fall for it again, but Epstein specifically mentioned a player who can play good defense and steal bases, and Martin can do both of those things.

The Return

Obviously the return from the Cubs would depend on who Detroit is trading, but here are a few prospects that are worth keeping an eye on in Chicago’s farm system.

Zack Short

Short is a shortstop (heh) who has always been a high-contact hitter. However, he’s shown a tendency to elevate the ball more in the minor leagues, a sign that he could develop into a power hitter. Fangraphs has him comped with Matt Carpenter, Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner, who were all late-blooming power hitters who can play the infield. There’s no guarantee that Short will develop into the caliber of player that those three are, but he does have a career-high 11 home runs in 88 games at Double-A this season. The 23-year-old can play shortstop, and could be the future of the position if Detroit can pry him away from the Cubbies.

David Bote

Bote is a 25-year-old second base prospect, although scouts are worried about his defense at the keystone. He’s hit really well in Triple-A this year, enough for Chicago to give him a call up to the show. He’s hit even better there, slashing a wicked .310/.415/.452 with a 15.2% walk rate and three stolen bases in just 20 games.

If Bote can capably play second base, he could take over the position this season. If not, he’d be a bat-first utility infielder, which would allow Goodrum to take over regular duties at the keystone.

Bryan Hudson

Hudson is a six-foot-eight left-hander who can run it up into the mid-90’s. His problem is his control, an aspect of his game that he has been slow to improve upon. He currently boasts a 5.15 BB/9 at High-A, with a 4.71 ERA. However, he’s still just 21 and has all the potential to become a capable starter or a lights out reliever in time.

Next: Five Best Trades in Franchise History

The Detroit Tigers would love to collaborate on another trade with the Cubs. With plenty of pieces that should interest Chicago, a trade could very likely get done for the second year in a row.