Detroit Tigers: Exploring Shane Greene trade scenarios

The Atlanta Braves

We discussed sending left-hander Blaine Hardy to the Braves last week, but the Braves may push for Detroit’s closer instead. Atlanta’s primary closer, Arodys Vizcaino, is on the disabled list and could be out for a while. For a  team with playoff aspirations, having a depleted bullpen is a no-go. Greene would instantly give them a 7th or 8th inning reliever to bridge the gap to incumbent closer A.J. Minter. Greene could also take over as closer, if needed.

Atlanta has a very deep farm system, and Detroit could easily pull a solid prospect or two by parting with Greene. One name to keep an eye on is Joey Wentz.

Wentz is a six-foot-five left-handed pitcher. He’s just 20 years old, but has a tidy 2.03 ERA in 14 starts at High-A. Ranked as Atlanta’s ninth best prospect by MLB pipeline, Wentz profiles as a mid-rotation starter. Detroit has a ton of starting pitching prospects, but only a few from the left side. Plus, pitching prospects tend to bust at a higher rate than hitters, so the more the merrier. The Braves will be hesitant to part with Wentz, but he’s a long way from the big leagues and if they want to compete this year, they’ll need to mortgage some of their future.

A few other names to watch include Derian Cruz, Braulio Vasquez and Jean Carlos Encarnacion.

There are a handful of other teams who will likely be interested in Greene. The Rockies and Diamondbacks are both known to be looking for relievers. In the American League, the Astros, Mariners, Red Sox and even the A’s could inquire about Greene.

Ultimately, the Detroit Tigers are in a luxurious position. They don’t have to trade Greene, as he is under team control for a few more years. However, the relief market is always hot around the trade deadline, so it makes sense to at least put him out there and see what teams will offer.