Detroit Tigers: 5 players who could be traded

Detroit Tigers Trade Candidate 3: RHP Joe Jiménez

Joe Jiménez has been spectacular this year, by just about any measure. If the Tigers weren’t having such a terrible season his comeback story would probably be cause for a lot more celebration. He once looked like Detroit’s closer of the future, earning an All-Star bid in just his second season. But he spent the next three years as one of the least effective relievers in baseball, and there was no guarantee the Tigers would even tender him a contract this year.

But Detroit did sign him to’a $1.8-million deal, and it has worked out incredibly well for both sides. Jiménez leads the team with a 2.16 FIP and his K/BB rate puts him in pretty elite company this year. A.J. Hinch has been hesitant to pitch Jiménez in high-leverage situations, but another manager might well try him in a setup or closer role.

Jiménez does have one year of team control remaining, which should make him a bit more valuable to other teams. That also might tempt the Tigers to hold onto him, but Fulmer’s regression this year is another example of why it’s best to trade players when they’re peaking.

Chance to be traded: 70%

Potential fits: Philadelphia, San Francisco, St. Louis, Houston, Toronto, New York Yankees