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 Brewers

The Brewers presently have Jimmy Nelson, Zach Davies and Brent Suter all on the disabled list. It has left their rotation depth barren, and they are currently relying on veteran Wade Miley to hold down a spot.

Zimmermann would give them added depth in the rotation, something they sorely need if they want to remain in the hunt in the NL Central. Plus, it has the added bonus of adding a hometown hero. Zimmermann attended college at local Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and would very likely accept a trade to his hometown team.

Of course, like the Tigers, the Brewers are not a big market team and likely don’t have $56 million lying around to pay Zimmermann over the next three years. Any trade between these two teams would likely involve the Tigers eating most, if not all, of Zimmermann’s contract.

The flip side of that is that the Tigers can ask for a slightly higher prospect capital if they are basically giving away a serviceable starting pitcher like Zimmermann.

The Brewers have a farm system rich in toolsy outfield prospects, and the Tigers would be wise to try to grab one or two of them in exchange for Zimmermann.

Here are a few to keep an eye on:

Troy Stokes, Jr. – Stokes is a 22-year-old outfielder with 17 home runs and 18 stolen bases on the year for AA Biloxi.

Micah Bello – Bello was Milwaukee’s competitive balance pick this year, picked 73rd overall. He is one of the fastest players in the MiLB, and has already swiped 10 bases in 34 professional games.

Je’Von Ward – Ward was a 12th rounder last year who has done nothing but hit since he was selected.

If the Brewers do take on a fair amount of salary, Detroit could target some much more off-the-radar prospects, including 1B Ernesto Martinez, OF Pablo Abreu, and IF Yeison Coca.

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.