As the trade deadline approaches, the Tigers have discussed dealing veteran players for pieces capable of helping them both now and in the future, reports FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal (video link). Regardless of whether they’re in the playoff hunt around the deadline, the Tigers could move impending free agent right fielder J.D. Martinez, says Rosenthal, who notes that the new qualifying offer system will make it difficult for them to keep the slugger through the season if they’re not going to re-sign him. Should the Tigers retain Martinez through 2017, stay above the luxury-tax threshold and issue him a qualifying offer after the season, they’d only get back a pick after the fourth round if he rejects the QO and signs elsewhere.
More from Rosenthal:
- Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray would be a perfect fit for the Dodgers, suggests Rosenthal, though he adds that they’re not convinced they’ll need to acquire another starting pitcher this summer. The Dodgers are loaded with rotation depth, of course, and their starters entered Saturday ranked fourth in the majors in ERA and first in FIP. Their bullpen has been similarly successful (third and first in those categories), but some members of the organization believe adding a left-handed reliever is a much bigger priority than picking up another starter, per Rosenthal.
- Even though White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu could serve as a mentor to fellow Cubans Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert, they’re not necessarily inclined to keep Abreu, relays Rosenthal. This summer might not prove to be the right time for Chicago to trade him, however, as fellow first baseman Eric Hosmer (Royals) and Yonder Alonso (Athletics) are likely to end up on the block, thereby weakening Abreu’s market.
- The Rays (26-26, plus-24 run differential) are unlikely to buy at the deadline if they’re still in contention, according to Rosenthal. The low-payroll club instead plans to rely on in-house reinforcements, including soon-to-return injured players in shortstop Matt Duffy, catcher Wilson Ramos and reliever Brad Boxberger. The Rays also expect one or more of their top Triple-A arms to make an impact out of their bullpen down the stretch. Tampa Bay has well-regarded pitching prospects in Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon at the highest level of the minors. Both righties rank among Baseball America’s 40 best prospects.
Dodgers wont trade what it will take to get Gray.
Over priced I’m sure
They did it for Hill so I would not rule anything out.
Dodgers don’t readily trade prospects.
I can see the Dodgers making a push for Justin Wilson from Detroit and taking on a contract like Verlander as part of the deal.
Take on verlanders salary, you mean he’s the headliner in that deal.
Verlander is still a good pitcher. I doubt the Tigers would consider him a bad contract, so they wouldn’t put him in a deal with Wilson unless trading both together would net them more/better prospects in return
I would not mind looking for Kate Upton at Dodger Stadium.
The Tigers lost more than any other Franchise last season and is projected to loose even more. Neither Justin Verlander nor Jordan Zimmerman are pitching well. To get Justin Wilson or JD Martinez, I suspect someone will need to pick up one of these pitchers along with their outrageous contracts too.
The Tigers are just going to have to accept that they will be stuck with the contracts of Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton… Owners folly.
Not sure why you are lumping Upton in this. Over the past 3 years he has averaged 30 2B, 29 HR, .800 OPS and 120 OPS+ and he is on pace for an almost identical season again this year. If you no longer want a 3-4 WAR, above average hitting COF in your lineup I wouldn’t worry. I expect him to opt out entering his age 30 season this offseason.
Yes, he will opt out … doing himself and the Tigers better
Zero chance Upton opts out. Look at the contracts Encarnacion and Bautista received. He has no chance of beating 4/84 on the open market. Teams aren’t looking for one dimensional players like him anymore.
I’m sure they are stuck with Zimmermans contract too. Owners folly indeed.
Gray is overrated. Personally I rather have LAD get another left handed RP. Our rotation doesn’t look great with names out of #22 but stats matter and they are top 5 in ERA and WHIP in MLB. Having another arm wouldn’t hurt. Ask the Cubs when they got Montgomery last July. Koehler can fit that role for the Dodgers.
Watch sonny grays last few games. He has looked like an absolute ace again.
But can he stay healthy? They already have enough injury question marks which is why I don’t think they’ll pay the prospects for Gray
When has an injury question stopped the Dodgers from trading for or signing a pitcher?
They already have the LF relief options of Avilan, Liberatore, Dayton, and Ryu. A legitimate #2 RHP would seem to be a higher priority.
Dodgers no. 1 need is a right handed SP for the playoffs
Rosenthal is just talking out of his arse, he admits the Dodgers aren’t interested in another starting pitcher yet he tries to make waves with his “Sonny Gray to the Dodgers” speech. Are Mookie Betts, Andrew Miller, Freddie Freeman, and Mike Trout perfect fits for the Dodgers as well?
Sonny Gray is a perfect fit for the cubs
He’s pretty much a perfect fit for every team
I would like to see them get Archer or Gray, they need another ace because they will lose arrieta and he’s not worth the money he is asking for.
Gray will not get traded unless a team can give the A’s a top CF prospect. Most positions the A’s are set for the future but OF help. A’s have no CF prospects in the minors so they will be looking for a CF prospect.
the cubs have eloy jimenez , and the a’s might also ask for ian happ
The angels should make a run at j.d martinez in the offseason
Abreu is .300 / 30 / 100 every year and is a big brother to Moncada
I can’t see the market being soft on abreu. The 2 guys mentioned don’t put up numbers close to what Jose does offensively. Sure his defense is suspect compared to Hosmer but that’s it. If a team i’s looking for a 1b, why not trade for a guy who is a better hitter and has an extra year on his contract?