Detroit Tigers: Exploring Jordan Zimmermann Trade Scenarios

The Detroit Tigers have 16 days left to trade veteran assets before the waiver trade deadline passes. Could Jordan Zimmermann still be dealt?

Detroit Tigers General Manager Al Avila has made it clear he is trying to trade more veteran pieces in exchange for both salary cap relief and prospects. Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann is an ideal trade candidate, if the team can negotiate a way to deal with the rest of his massive salary – and Zimmermann’s full no trade clause.

Presently, Zimmermann is owed roughly $6.2 million just for the rest of this season. He’s owed a staggering $50 million over the next two seasons as well, the last of his ill-fated five-year, $110 million dollar back loaded contract.

It’s crystal clear that no team is going to take on Zimmermann’s salary without Detroit pitching in a fair amount. After all, Zimmermann’s 3.98 ERA across 16 starts is good but not elite – and is considerably better than his last two seasons.

Still, there are some pitching needy teams that could consider making a trade for Zimmermann, assuming the Tigers can take on some of the salary. Or, as was the case roughly one year ago, the Tigers could let a team take on the majority of the salary in exchange for little return like they did with Justin Upton and the Angels. Of course, Zimmermann is not nearly as valuable as Upton, so teams are much less likely to offer a deal like that.

Here are a few teams that need pitching that the Tigers (and Zimmermann) may be able to strike a deal with.

The Mariners

One of the best pitchers of the last decade has seen his reign come to an end, as the mighty King Felix Hernandez has been sent to the bullpen. The move wasn’t unprecedented, as the King has an unsightly 5.62 ERA on the year.

Of course, as soon as the Mariners make the move to send Hernandez into the bullpen, their ace, James Paxton, gets drilled by a line drive and immediately leaves the game. It sounds like he avoided any major injury, but the team’s lack of depth in the rotation may allow the A’s to overtake them for a spot in the playoffs.

The Mariners are desperate, and I mean desperate, to make the playoffs. They have not been since 2001, the longest drought in the four major professional sports. Zimmermann may not be the perfect fit, but they need to add another SP if they want any shot at the wild card, and if Zimm is the best they can find I could see them ponying up and acquiring him.

Of course, Zimmermann may not waive his no trade clause, which would put a wrinkle in the whole thing. Part of his reasoning for signing with Detroit was geographical. Milwaukee would be even closer to home, whereas Seattle would be way further. If Zimm doesn’t want to go to Seattle, then the whole thing is moot.

If he does, then perhaps the Tigers could find a few lower level prospects to take from Seattle.

Here are a few to keep an eye on:

Cesar Izturis, Jr. – The son of 13-year major leaguer Cesar Izturis, junior is an 18-year-old middle infielder who profiles as a light hitting utility infielder, but who already has an advanced feel for the game.

Anthony Jimenez – A speedy outfielder with good defensive instincts and the arm to play all three spots, Jimenez has the tools to be a big league regular.

The Red Sox

On the surface, the Red Sox appear to have plenty of pitching depth. Their current rotation is Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello, Nathan Eovaldi and Brian Johnson. Plus, they have Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright on the DL and Drew Pomeranz, who has been primarily a starter, in the bullpen.

However, playoff bound teams are always in need of pitching depth, and the Red Sox are weirdly short on right-handed pitching. Zimmermann could slot in nicely in place of Johnson, who makes an excellent LOOGY thanks to his strong platoon splits.

The issue of the no trade clause still exists, but Zimmermann is more likely to lift it if he is going to a team with World Series aspirations, which the Red Sox certainly have. There’s no guarantee, but if he is willing to accept a trade the Red Sox might be more willing to eat some of his contract.

A few names to consider:

2B Brett Netzer – Netzer is a left-handed hitting middle infielder with a high contact approach, although limited power and speed make him more of a utility type.

LHP Bobby Poyner – Poyner is 25, and has nothing left to prove in the minors. He has carved up minor league hitters since he was selected in 2014, and could immediately take over as Detroit’s LOOGY if he was acquired. There’s no room for him in Boston, so Detroit should see if they can pry him away.

OF Tyler Hill – Hill is another speedy outfielder that the Detroit Tigers should target if they are looking to deal Zimmermann. His BA is low, but a nice walk rate should help him reach base and use his speed, even in the show.

Trading Jordan Zimmermann is not going to be easy. The right-handers massive contract, average performance and full no trade clause make it very likely that he will remain a Tiger through the duration of the deal. However, a few pitching needy teams could come knocking.