Headlines

  • Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension
  • Giants, Scott Kazmir Agree To Minor League Deal
  • Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement
  • Braves Extend Brian Snitker
  • Yankees Sign Justin Wilson
  • Braves Sign Jake Lamb
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Ian Kinsler’s 2018 Option Has Vesting Clause

By Steve Adams | September 6, 2017 at 11:30am CDT

Ian Kinsler’s five-year, $75MM contract has been widely reported to have a $10MM club option with a hefty $5MM buyout attached to it, but there’s a slight detail that Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently brought to light (via Twitter). Kinsler’s 2018 option actually has a vesting clause that will automatically trigger that option if and when Kinsler reaches 600 plate appearances this season.

MLBTR has learned that the option would also vest at $11MM — a slight uptick from the $10MM base salary he’d have if he falls shy of 600 plate appearances. Winning his second straight Gold Glove Award can also boost Kinsler’s 2018 base salary by $1MM. That’s of particular note given that Kinsler currently leads qualified Major League second basemen both in Defensive Runs Saved (+8) and UZR/150 (+9.3).

It’s a minor distinction, to be sure. Kinsler’s bat has taken a step back this season(.235/.314/.382), but his superlative glovework and quality baserunning have made him worth about two wins above replacement per both Fangraphs and Baseball-Reference. Whether the bottom-line price tag is $10MM, $11MM or $12MM, it seems exceedingly likely that Kinsler’s option will either vest or be exercised by the Tigers. The $5MM buyout Kinsler is owed, after all, essentially reduces the Tigers’ decision on him to a one-year deal worth $5-7MM — an even easier call to make.

Having already traded Justin Verlander, Justin Upton, Justin Wilson, J.D. Martinez, Cameron Maybin and Alex Avila in the past calendar year, the Tigers are all but certain to shop Kinsler around this offseason. While the potential for an additional million or two being tacked onto his salary may have a modest impact on trade talks, it’s hardly going to be a sticking point in negotiations with interested parties.

Kinsler currently has 522 plate appearances on the season, leaving him 78 plate appearances shy of that $11MM sum automatically kicking in for the 2018 campaign.

Share 0 Retweet 5 Send via email0

Detroit Tigers Ian Kinsler

Mets Notes: Payroll, Catchers, Rotation, Conforto, Wright, Montero
Main
Will Venable Retires, Joins Cubs’ Front Office
32 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. Solaris611

    3 years ago

    I believe the option will vest, and DET will take their best offer on him this offseason leaving VMart and Miggy the only remaining sizeable contracts, and I don’t see there being any takers for either one of them.

    Like
    Reply
    • natsfan3437

      3 years ago

      Someone would take both but Detroit would have to eat some money

      Like
      Reply
      • Solaris611

        3 years ago

        Yes, and Miggy’s contract will seem like an appetizer compared to JVs.

        Like
        Reply
      • rascalking

        3 years ago

        Highly doubt anyone bites on V-Mart’s contract considering its size, the fact that he’s pretty much a DH at this point and his heart condition. DET will be kicking themselves for not insuring his contract.

        Like
        Reply
    • Bundy

      3 years ago

      Someone forgot about Zimmerman. I’d say that is a sizable contract that the Tigers are on the hook for still. Kinsler can go, I like the guy but if we are rebuilding we still have some “old guys” that can help the kids coming up. He is a steal at 10 million and should be easy to move.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • Solaris611

        3 years ago

        You are correct. Zimmermann’s deal with DET is not so much a contract as it is a 5-year hangover for which there appears no relief for the Tigers. Zim went from rock solid producer in WAS to perpetually struggling BP tosser. Bad, bad contract for sure.

        2 Like
        Reply
    • tdaly

      3 years ago

      Is next year vmarts last on his deal?

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Bundy

        3 years ago

        Yes, thank god. Hated that contract when they did it.

        1 Like
        Reply
      • brianakabigb

        3 years ago

        Yep, 2018 is the last year on his deal

        Like
        Reply
        • BlakeBanks79

          3 years ago

          Has anyone heard anything about vmart? Cuz he should think of retiring seeing that he had heart problems a couple times this year. N would love to see miggy moved to DH…. his production would b better

          Like
          Reply
        • tigerfan4ever

          3 years ago

          Vmart went under the same procedure as Francona did and expects to be back in 2018. No talk of retirement yet.

          Like
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          3 years ago

          Who is “N”?

          Like
          Reply
        • SundownDevil

          3 years ago

          V-Mart might need a defibrillator and pacemaker though, so that might impact his thought process. Maybe he will coach in 2018 instead.

          1 Like
          Reply
  2. sidewinder11

    3 years ago

    Kinsler, Greene and Cash Considerations to Arizona for Brandon Drury and a prospect?

    Like
    Reply
    • vtadave

      3 years ago

      I’m sure Detroit would jump on that.

      Like
      Reply
      • Phillies2017

        3 years ago

        I dont know if Arizona would have much interest in trading Drury at the moment. Drury is young, controllable and versatile.
        I think they are more likely to trade Brito for Kinsler and cash straight up. Better fit for both teams.

        Like
        Reply
  3. dugdog83

    3 years ago

    I can’t believe he isn’t already gone. He would a solid addition to any contender.

    Like
    Reply
    • madmanTX

      3 years ago

      That’s funny: he isn’t hitting, doesn’t want to mentor younger players and is a crybaby about umpiring. Yeah, solid.

      Like
      Reply
      • tigerfan4ever

        3 years ago

        He was correct about Angel Hernandez, doesn’t make him a crybaby. He won the gold glove at second base last year and yes is having a down year offensively, but his defense is great again this year. Yeah, solid.

        Like
        Reply
  4. Not so crazy

    3 years ago

    Milwaukee wants him but I think they are in his 10 team no trade clause. Dodgers and Diamondbacks are more likely because they are both contenders for years to come AND close to his home.

    Like
    Reply
    • thegreatcerealfamine

      3 years ago

      Dodgers don’t need him..Chris Taylor

      2 Like
      Reply
    • stymeedone

      3 years ago

      Milwaukee already traded for a 2B, Walker from the Mets.

      Like
      Reply
      • SundownDevil

        3 years ago

        Walker will be a free agent though and is one of those players who cries and complains when they are on a team far from home; Mike Leake is another and Dan Haren was the worst; Walker lives in Pittsburgh so he’ll probably demand to sign with a team in the northeast.

        1 Like
        Reply
  5. tigerdoc616

    3 years ago

    Whether or not it vests or the Tigers exercise it, his poor offensive showing will make it difficult for the Tigers to trade him. they will try, but don’t be surprised if they hold him, hoping for a bounce back season and improved value at the trading deadline in 2018. Tigers also do not have enough quality depth in the middle IF so if they do move him it will have to be early so they can find someone who can play second or another utility IF while handing second to Machado.

    Like
    Reply
  6. Steve Lawrence

    3 years ago

    Yep, Dombrowski traded Suarez and Travis, both really bad deals, leaving Detroit thin up the middle. I do think Detroit shops him, but if no decent offers emerge I hope they keep him. Quality guy to mentor the kids.

    And re: Zimmermann, his contract is back-loaded netting him 24, 25 and 25 mil his last 3 seasons. Miggy’s contract is terrible, but at least folks will come see him pursue 500 and 3000. If Zimm doesn’t rebound he is basically a 74 million Pelfrey. Ouch!

    1 Like
    Reply
    • BlakeBanks79

      3 years ago

      Suarez deal was terrible, didnt we get that pitcher accused of murder for him? N he used different name to start his career lol. Im lost on the Travis trade though, dont remem who we got. Ur right about zimmerman tho… really hope they figure out his neck issue in offseason.

      Like
      Reply
      • tigerfan4ever

        3 years ago

        There is that reference to “N” again. Who are you referring to? Inquiring minds would like to know?

        Anthony Gose came this way for Travis.

        Like
        Reply
        • BlakeBanks79

          3 years ago

          “N” as in “And”. Srry i know im not aloud to shorten words, with all the spell check freaks on here.

          Like
          Reply
        • tigerfan4ever

          3 years ago

          “N” behind such punctuation as a question mark or period makes your statements make no sense, thus we asked. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such usage online ever. That doesn’t make us spell check freaks, just people wanting to make sense out of what you’re trying to state.

          Like
          Reply
      • Ford Prefect

        3 years ago

        We got Alfredo Simon for Suarez. Terrible deal. He was accused of murder in the Dominican Republic back in 2011 but was released. Sounded like they just wanted to extort some money from him.

        He was also accused of sexual assault. and settled a civil case in 2015.

        Like
        Reply
  7. Lance

    3 years ago

    I can’t imagine why the Tigers would let Kinsler get enough AB’s to get the extra money. He’s having a poor season at the plate and it’s time for Detroit to move on. I would find it difficult to believe any team would give up any prospects for a 36 year old secondsacker . Wait for DET to pay him off and sign him as a FA.

    Like
    Reply
    • madmanTX

      3 years ago

      Agreed. Bench him and just wait for the tirade by Kinsler against the front office.

      Like
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension

    Giants, Scott Kazmir Agree To Minor League Deal

    Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement

    Braves Extend Brian Snitker

    Yankees Sign Justin Wilson

    Braves Sign Jake Lamb

    Athletics Sign Mitch Moreland

    Yankees Re-Sign Brett Gardner

    Giants To Sign Jake McGee

    Mariners CEO Kevin Mather Resigns

    Recent

    NL Central Notes: Contreras, Mikolas, Brewers

    Braves Report Major Revenue Drop, Operating Losses In 2020

    Tigers Sign Drew Hutchison To Minors Deal

    Blue Jays Acquire Travis Bergen From Diamondbacks

    Health Notes: Pham, File, Rodriguez, Reyes

    Minor MLB Transactions: 2/28/21

    Cubs Designate Robert Stock For Assignment

    COVID Notes: Abreu, Montas, Happ, Cordero

    Royals, Hunter Dozier Agree To Four-Year Extension

    Quick Hits: Pujols, Blue Jays, Kennedy, Santana

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • Jackie Bradley Jr. Rumors
    • Jake Odorizzi Rumors
    • Taijuan Walker Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version