As they continue to explore various trade scenarios regarding their most appealing veteran players, the Tigers are attempting to package multiple trade chips, according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. It’s part of a bid to draw top-end prospect talent to Detroit this summer.
The concept of a package deal isn’t a new one. On occasion, it’s even pulled off — such as with this memorable swap we recently looked back on — though most such ideas tend to end up on the cutting-room floor.
In this case, the Detroit organization has three chief attractions to dangle. Outfielder Nicholas Castellanos is the most obvious trade piece as a pending free agent, but he’s not going to draw a franchise-altering return on his own. Reliever Shane Greene has thrown well at the right time and has another season of control remaining, though rivals surely value him somewhere in the realm of the mid-point between this year’s 1.22 ERA and last year’s 5.12 mark.
Much as the Tigers might like to turn Castellanos and Greene into a significant prospect haul, they’re likely aware that even two quality MLB pieces such as those won’t induce hesitant contenders to part with premium prospects. With the purpose in mind “to access the highest tier of available prospects,” as Morosi characterizes it, the Tigers are at least opening the door to package arrangements involving the third and most valuable major trade chip: starter Matthew Boyd.
In this day and age, it’s as hard as ever to pry top prospects free via trade. But controllable, high-quality starting pitching is an increasingly rare asset in its own right. The Tigers’ best hope of getting big-time new talent is surely to line something up for Boyd and his three remaining seasons of arbitration control. While the southpaw hasn’t quite maintained his hot start in terms of results, he can shoulder a workload and carries appealing peripherals (including a 14.0% swinging-strike rate).
Boyd is the sort of pitcher that might get a contender to pay a price it’d rather not, though his breakout is still fresh and there are surely questions as to its sustainability. Adding in another much-needed piece could help move the ball, no doubt, but it’s questionable whether the Tigers’ other top trade chips are valuable enough secondary pieces to do so. There’s an argument to be made that Castellanos is the top rental bat available as a young and established slugger, but he’s not particularly cheap and there are alternatives. Greene seems likelier to tip the scales as a late-inning reliever with another season of control, but he’s going to be due a big raise (from his $4MM current salary) and has a rather uneven overall track record.
twinsfan368
I find it funny that they are expecting high end prospects for Boyd and that’s just not how it’s gonna work, he hasn’t pitched in the playoffs, nor had a good season before this… also he gives up way too many dingers
todda1
Well I guess Al Avila should just stop trying and turn his phone off till August because you said it’s not gonna work.
Bochys Retirement Fund
1.6 hr/9? Which I couldn’t imagine being giving up “too many” home runs. That’s alongside a 12 K/9 and a 1.9 BB/9. He’s paid damn near nothing and Detroit is trying to include him on a three part deal with a solid bat and a very good closer. Not too bad for the amount a team would take on as far as salary is concerned.
deweybelongsinthehall
Hurts nothing in trying. Yanks got three useful players from the White Sox a couple years ago. I don’t recall what they gave up. Don’t think there was a stud in the group but then again, the overall market for a starter has never been this thin. I just question whether Boyd is the answer. To give up top prospects, you either want in return a proven playoff track record, someone with a longer consistent history or a young gun with HOF written all over him (ala a young Roger Clemons or Dwight Gooden in say 1987 – whether they get to the Hall is not the issue).
ChiSox_Fan
Sox got Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, and Tito Polo in the Frazier trade.
ChiSox_Fan
Blake was the key guy. Only 22 years old today.
Socrates Curveball
Disaster trade by Rick Hahn. Did get Robertson’s roughly $18M owed off the books. Gave away Tommy Kahnle in that deal. He was the real piece the Yankees coveted. White Sox also cleared $5M+ off their ledger in that Todd Frazier swap years ago. Sure they got a recent 1st Rd pick plus throw ins from the Yankees but the real return was financial relief of $23M+.
emtae
@Bochey the average hr/9 rate this season currently sits at 1.4/9. That means if that 1.6/9 is correct, I don’t care to look it up, then he most definitely surrenders too many home runs. That’s a significant difference.
MattyIce68
They will def get good prospects.
I agree with you on him though. They would be very wise to move him now at the height of his value. Because all the stats point to a regression to his mean, 4.5 ERA league average type of pitcher who cannot handle a heavy workload.
nowheretogobutup
Plus the OF has a huge salary for a rental not good. Maybe a few AA guys for these two nothing special
SportsFan0000
False
Analytic stats prove Boyd is leading the AL in strikeouts versus walks ratios and is in the same league this year as Verlander and Scherzer in other analytical categories.
Boyd’s mechanics were adjusted and his pitch selection.
Analytic experts state Boyd’s improvements are sustainable long term,.
And, his :”real ERA” from analytics is something like 3.2-3.3 factoring in bad defense and the worst team in baseball//
Dick Magee
I find it funny that fans put so much value on prospects they’ve never seen. A couple of years ago when Verlander was on the block, all you read was he wasn’t worth top prospects and he was way past his prime. how’d that work out? Detroit got 3 top 10 Astros prospects that are nowhere near the majors and Houston won a World Series led by the has been Verlander. Boyd is a bulldog and his best years are yet to come, just watch him pitch insted of parroting what you’ve read.
twinsfan368
Verlander and Boyd are 2 different starters, I’m just saying that Boyd hasn’t pitched in an important game yet and Verlander is a pro at that kind of stuff
Dick Magee
I’m not comparing Boyd to JV as a pitcher, I’m just saying every expert out there said JV was done or that he wasn’t worth top prospects and those of us that watched JV on a regular basis, new it was bs. I watch Boyd on a regular basis and he knows how to pitch and he is not a fluke.
twinsfan368
I guess so? I would just love to see Boyd pitch in an important game and see what happens
RMenzel
When people compare ERA’s they need to consider the pitcher bats in the NL and hence the ERA is much lower in the NL. Look at THOR as a whole, he has like a 4.46 ERA and the YAnkees would give up any of their prospects for him. So keep that in mind. so Boyd in NL would equate to about a 3.50 ERA. Boyd is learning and 3 years of control after this season. I think his ceiling is maybe a #2 starter or 3 on clubs like Houston behind Verlander and Cole.
BBB
Lower, but not “much” – so far this season, AL ERA is 4.58 to NL’s 4.40. So NL is 96 percent of AL, which would make Boyd’s equivalent 3.90 if you want to calculate that way.
Melchez
Boyd just faced off against the Phillies ace. Matched him pitch for pitch. Not bad considering Boyd was facing a potential playoff lineup and NOLA was facing a minor league one.
RMenzel
BBB that has nothing to do with that same pitcher pitching from AL to NL. that is an overall league comparison. I am saying if Boyd pitched in NL his ERA would be lower. Just about the same with any decent AL pitcher. Verlander would be around a 2.40 ERA.. Those pitcher AB’s are a free out and rally killer!!
RMenzel
if Boyd played for the yankees and was about to be traded to a contender people would be all over the moon for him. Its because he plays for a horrible team is the reason why he doesnt get any credit.
Melchez
Boyd has had a better season than any Yankee starting pitcher.
Pickle_Britches
Not necessarily true there have been several pitcher’s going to NL and not doing much better. And FYI his career interleague era is 4.38 so…:/
jbigz12
How is it that I’ve heard numerous tigers fans talk about how Castellanos would hit a lot more bombs if he didn’t play at Comerica, but for some reason that logic gets left off the table when it comes to Boyd giving them up? Seems to be highly selective….. FWIW I’m not a Boyd hater. I think he’d be a solid add to quite a few contenders but not at Detroit’s ask. The HRS are a legitimate issue whether or not any of you Tigers fans wants to own up to it.
gusk
Unless you can honestly say you’ve sat there and watched Boyd pitch 10 times this year, and/or actually analyze properly, pretending like Boyd isn’t a great find this trade deadline is crazy. Among qualified pitchers in the A.L, he’s top 10 in WHIP, top 15 in batting average against, and #1 in walks to K’s. Even his ERA people insult so much is top 20. Remember, there are 15 teams in the A.L so do the math, those are some pretty impressive stats. Boyd’s stats overall are a 1-2 SP in the A.L, and #3 for most contenders. Still 3 years of control I believe, and compared to everybody out there, dirt cheap.
jbigz12
He’s 24th in AL ERA w pitchers w at least 90 innings pitched. He’s also #5 in HRs allowed. Which is the issue. Especially concerning because it has spiked over his last 9 starts and not his first 9 where he was largely terrific. He doesn’t have a track record to fall back on and will be criticized for it. He’s not nearly as awful as some people make it sound but he’s certainly no sure thing either.
We have no idea what kind of pitcher he’d be if he played in a more homer prone stadium. He’s a poor road starter as it is this season (4.84 ERA) Some guys have taken the criticism 100x too far but you have Tigers fans acting like he’s gods gift to a playoff team as well. It’s more like somewhere in between those two extremes.
I’d like to have Matt Boyd. I’d prefer him to Robbie Ray and maybe Zack Wheeler. But both of those 2 will have much more reasonable asks. My personal feeling is that Wheeler is the much better buy all day long. I think there’s more to unlock there and as a rental he’ll be inexpensive. He also doesn’t have a gigantic HR Problem and their FIP’s are within a stones throw of each other.
jbigz12
Basically I’d rather pay the price for a half year gamble than a 3.5 year gamble on a guy with little to no track record. I get why Avila set his ask high.(Too high but that’s fine) But you have to realize why other teams won’t pay it yet.
SportsFan0000
Boyd has pitched in many important games this year with pennant race teams striking out 1`3 Yankees at Yankee stadium and outpitching Phillies ace Nola last night…
SportsFan0000
Boyd’s FIP gives him a 3.2 ERA factoring in a last place team with crummy defense and a bad bullpen…
NL? Boyd’s Era goes down 1 point like Scherzer;s
Pickle_Britches
Nevermind forgot he pitched for Detroit. Thought he was only on dbaks
stymeedone
Its a nice trade off. Youth or experience. Cheap or Expensive contract. Garrett Cole had little to no experience with the Pirates. Would the people who doubt Boyd have also passed on Cole?
TIGERS
I’m a Tiger fan through and through, but the Tigers have not played an important game all year.
tuner49
Boyd is their best starter. One could argue that any game the Tigers may be able to win is an important game. Same logic goes to Greene as a closer. He gets so few opportunities on a club as bad as the Tigers, that all eyes are on him to “get the win”.
SportsFan0000
Yankees and Cashman are “low ball artists”.
They low balled on Verlander and lost.
They low balled on Gerrit Cole and lost.
Unless Cash turns over a new leaf, then they probably don’t get Boyd or Strohman either…
I hear Bartolo Colon is available lol!
davidkaner
I think two of the three are at AAA so saying nowhere “near” the MLB is factually incorrect. They are very close & will be up this year. Are they ready? No. Will they end up being stars? Probably not. Did the Tigers have a choice? No. They had to rebuild PERIOD!
RMenzel
hmmm u must think Verlander is a terrible pitcher as well because he has given up nearly twice as many home runs as Boyd!! problem with lots of hrs is a poor strike zone by the umpires. Some umpires have a high strike zone, some have a low strike zone they do not get both calls and some don’t even get the corners either. Thats the real reason Home runs are way up!!
twinsfan368
JV actually has a good ERA tho
jbigz12
You’re picking Verlander’s worse quality this year and saying that’s why Boyd is fine. Verlander has years of track record and has been able to prevent the runs. That too is probably a dicey proposition moving forward if he doesn’t give stop his own HR problem. Matt Boyd has given up 15 hrs in his last 9 starts. He hasn’t given up a HR in only one of those outings and his ERA is over 5. Not very enticing for a guy with a track record that started 5 minutes ago. Considering the ask is multiple top prospects.
SportsFan0000
The ball is juiced and stitching is different this year according to multiple star MLB pitchers..
Home runs are up league wide.
Utility guys are pounding a lot of home runs this year..
RMenzel
ummm how many of the Twins starters have pitched in the playoffs??? I would guess NONE!!!! guess they couldnt get any decent prospects for any starter either. (LOL)That is what u are saying by that comment.
twinsfan368
I’m saying if u want to go and get Boyd he has never pitched in a playoff game
jdub 2
Less wear and tear on his arm along with a pretty clean bill of health for his career means that he’s relatively safer health wise than most of the other starter on the market
SportsFan0000
Many experts are rating Boyd as the crown jewel of the trade deadline.
Maximum value is warranted.
al avias phone
Why not ask? Just might get something good!
walls17
I guess that their FO is at least getting more reasonable. It’s gone from multiple elite prospects for just Boyd to now multiple elite prospects for a Boyd+Greene+Castellanos package
RMenzel
if Boyd, Greene and Castellanos played for the yankees, there would not even be a discussion about the Yankees asking for top prospects. Given the Yankee name they would get a boatload. But because they are Tiger players everyone thinks they are trash because the team is so bad. They havent seen them pitch or hit which makes them rather ignorant in their thinking!!
Dick Magee
Completely agree! How many Braves fans, for example, have even seen Boyd pitch? The funny part is, the fans don’t want to part with prospects they’ve never seen for a pitcher they’ve never seen.
RMenzel
In order to have a chance to win it all you have to give up prospects. It cost the Dodgers when they didnt trade for Verlander. It brought the Astros over the top. Just what you have to do or u will never win it all.
SportsFan0000
They are trying to drive down the value of Tigers players to drive the price down…
Yankees did that with Verlander and it cost them a championship.
its_happening
It was driven down by the balls opposing teams drove off Boyd. But feel free to tell us how great his Ks and Walk ratio has been.
SportsFan0000
That is why something like 10 teams want Boyd?!
Quality. youing cost controlled lhsp who is emerging as one of the best starters in the AL Put Boyd in the NL, like Scherzer, and the kid is a beast.
I am, sure Boyd’s doublel digit strikeouiits in about every start are driving his price down lol! NOT.
13 Yankees struck out by Boyd at Yankee stadium.
Boyd dominated Bryce Harper and the Phillies a few nights ago.
Your knowledge of baseball appears to be limited…
SportsFan0000
Don’t know unless you are in on the discussions..
Of course, they will listen on package deals if it maximizes their return of top young players and prospects.
If not, then they trade guys separately..
24TheKid
If a team can get player A for one 55 or 60 grade prospect, player B for 2 50 grade prospects and player C for a 50 grade prospect. Why would they trade for A, B and C in one package and give up three 55+ grade prospects?
oldleftylong
Makes them better?
24TheKid
The point is that they can get the players way cheaper separately.
24TheKid
The question is would you rather give up 1 55 grade and 3 50 grades or 3 55/60 grade prospects?
stymeedone
not if the low offer is not being accepted.
TradeAcuna
The Braves are not interested. Rumors has it they are waiting for the Tigers to rebuild their farm system so they can compete against them at the MLB Pipeline Top farm system championship in 2020.
Pax vobiscum
It will take the Tigers longer because they’re not as good at cheating.
Bochys Retirement Fund
Your username is a rad song
TradeAcuna
it is an album, not a song
ntorsky
I don’t understand all the hate for Boyd…no one is claiming he’s the second coming of Kershaw, but the ask isn’t ridiculous. He’s a durable, young lefty with 3 years of control and will slot in as a solid 4 in pretty much any contender’s rotation. That’s exactly the profile that buyers need to get them over the hump. His value is a tier and a half below what Quintana was, but you have to pony up a little bit more for the control.
ntorsky
Just a disclaimer, I’m not saying Detroit should get a Jimenez and a Cease. But at this point he’s worth a Waters or a Carlson and another low level guy.
MattyIce68
He is def worth a Waters agreed. Not much beyond that. a couple throw ins. But Atlanta way overvalues prospects… as is the trend in the game right now.
Consider how many guys actually make the big leagues… most prospects never make it AA, much less to the bigs.
RMenzel
I didnt see any BRAVES fans complaining when the Tigers traded John Smoltz for Doyle Alexander.
bencole
He’s not going to come near a guy of Waters caliber. Not close
stymeedone
Have you ever looked at Smoltz’ numbers with the Tigers. He was not that high a prospect. He just got better.
SportsFan0000
Boyd is worth a lot more than that for a top of the rotation lhsp leading the AL in strikeouts to walk ratios, low salary, 3 1/2 years team control etc…
They will not just give the guy away since they have 3 more years to trade the guy or keep him for their next window of contention.
zimerust
there are plenty of controllable lefties in the game much better than him.
ntorsky
Name them.
oldleftylong
Mickey Lolich
RMenzel
he cant because he is lacking in baseball knowledge
stymeedone
How many are available on the trade market? Would they go for more than what Boyd will cost?
SportsFan0000
LMFAO!
If what you say was true, then every sports publication would be doing stories on those players and not Boyd.
At last count 10-12 teams that are in on Boyd.
jjd002
The request the Tigers have is why the hate is there. This is his first above average season. He’s already 28. His era was almost 6 last month and not much better this month. He’s never pitched over 170 innings in a season. He’s not worth a top prospect.
ntorsky
Last year was above average, he’s always put up respectable strikeout numbers, and they’re getting a lot better. His ERA sucked but the underlying stats chalk that up to bad luck. Add that all to his team control, and he’s worth a high 55.
falconsball1993
You know that’s not how front offices evaluate talent right? There are 100 things more important to smart front offices than “well he’s never done it before” or “well he wasn’t very good last year”. Matt Boyd is going to continue to get better, as a late bloomer. He is incredibly smart ala Trevor Bauer and I would not be surprised if he is in the same convo for years to come. Everyone in the league has homeruns issues and Boyd’s is below league average sooooo
Assdribble_Cabrera
Does anyone understand the art of negotiation? Anyone? Avila asks for a king’s ransom, because as the seller, that’s where you start. If you’re selling an item you think has value, would you start low? No. Most of the time, the parties meet in the middle. Sometimes, if the buyer is desperate enough, he will pay it or even overpay. If he listened to any of you armchair GMs and started the conversation where you think he should, he’d walk away with a bunch low level prospects with a very slim chance of making The Show.
deweybelongsinthehall
A number 4 is not worth multiple big time prospects. A world championship team may use a number 4 three times in the playoffs or actually put him in the pen with no starts.
ntorsky
I’m not saying he’s worth multiple big time prospects, I’m saying he’s worth a Waters or a Carlson, plus a medium ceiling low floor low level prospect. I don’t think anyone actually expects that haul, AA is aiming high and missing high.
SportsFan0000
On the Yanks, he would be a #1 or #2.
Boyd just outpitched the Phillies ace Nola.
You don’t know much about baseball do you?
SportsFan0000
Boyd has dominated many playoff contending teams this year striking out 13 Yankees at Yankee stadium with no home runs
and dominating the Phillies last night pitching better than their #1 Nola.
drock2722
Idk if I’m in the minority on this, but I have a feeling there won’t be a large “blockbuster” type deal this year due to reported astronomical prices being put on guys in addition to the fair amount of teams still believing they have a shot this year plus the one deadline.
Brenner
Let’s just do all 3 for Carter Kieboom or Drew Waters and call it a deadline.
Or maybe Greene and Castellanos for Gavin Lux
We need young bats….so bad
bencole
All three wouldn’t get you a top 50 guy much less those guys
hurley71
This comment is laughable. Just stop. All 3 of those guys in a package will definitely get a Top 50 prospect and likely another back end Top 100 prospect, plus throw ins. I’m not crazy about Boyd, and not overblowning his value like a lot of fans, but he does have very good value and will, if trade, bring back a nice return, especially in a package type deal
RicoD
Spoiler alert, all of bens comments are laughable.
bencole
So Boyd is going to probably get you a top 100, maybe top 75 guy. Greene increases the trades value, but is going to add a 45 on the back end, not get them a better top piece. Castellanos sucks and may have negative value because of his salary.
jbigz12
Greene and Castellanos combo’d will you get a prospect closer to Christian Arroyo than Gavin Lux.
bencole
Yup exactly JBigz
SportsFan0000
That is a low ball offer,,,
Al,l 3 will get you at least 4 top prospects + others in the deal.
SportsFan0000
Gavin Lux, May, Keibert Ruiz would get the conversation started
plus more players/prospects added for any serious deal to go down
Matt Galvin
Phils,Rays or so on.
zimerust
How does Boyd have any value? He is terrible.
RMenzel
yeah so terrible he leads the AL in K to walk ratio, you my friend have no clue or have any baseball knowledge.
SportsFan0000
You don’t follow baseball do you?!
SportsFan0000
Why are you posting on a baseball board since you know nothing about Boyd?!
ScottCFA
Just gonna have to see what happens when the pieces start moving. There are more teams looking for starting pitching than quality SPs available. A lot of teams are looking for an impact bat. The postseason is all about relief pitching. Don’t rule out how dumb FOs can get when they see others acquiring pieces they could have used. We’ll see.
ericl
Matt Boyd has never been a consistent pitcher. He had a great first half this season and then followed it up by going six straight starts without a quality one. He pitched fairly well last night, giving up only two runs, but he had to wiggle out of trouble a few times. He also pitches in a pitcher’s park. How good will he be if he goes to a hitter’s park? I have nothing against Boyd, but who is the real Matt Boyd? It is a risk to give up several high end prospects to get him because you honestly don’t know what it he is.
tigergreg
He’s also playing in front of a horrible defense. Its been scary to see how many basic plays this team botches on a nightly basis. That pitchers park becomes hitter friendly with that outfield defense. They get one (or none) instead of two on the infield. The offense is putrid. Now put him on a playoff bound team and watch those plays get made. Watch the offense behind him score some runs. Thats a heck of a lot less stress on a pitcher. I think he’d thrive on a contender.
I have zero faith in Alex Avila getting anything quality in return though. If that’s the case I hope they keep Boyd.
RMenzel
then what if he has a better defense, what if the offense scores runs. he can become more aggressive because once he gives up 2 runs he figures he will lose now because the Tigers cant score runs..
SportsFan0000
Boyd has pitched in “hitters parks” and struck out players double digits like at that small band box Yankee stadium where he struck out 13.
SportsFan0000
Again, comments not based on the present facts.
13 strikeouts at the bandbox Yankees stadium.
Just dominated the Phillies and outdueled their ace Nola.
Leading AL in strikeouts per walks ratio.
Analytics experts mention him in the same statistical analysis as Verlander and Scherzer for a lot less money and 3 1/2 years team control.
Changes to his mechanics and pitch selection are sustainable long term according to experts.
Analytics people put Boyd at 3..2 ERA with a decent defense, bullpen and offensive support.(not counting even lower ERA if he went to NL)..
jvent
Dom Smith,Gimenez,Gsellman and Matz to Detroit for Boyd and Greene. This helps both teams next year.
Trade Syndergaard and Lagares to LAD for Will Smith (C),Pederson and May. This gives the Mets their young C and CF plus a Lefty Starter.
Trade a Frazier,Vargas and Wilson for any BP help lol.
Keep Wheeler offer him the QO or 3/35.
In the off season trade Nimmo,Familia plus $5-10 mil and Rosario(especially if Lindor doesn’t resign) for Bauer.
2020 rotation can be : deGrom,Bauer,Boyd,Wheeler and May
Dustin Michels
Sorry a big no way on the Detroit trade idea.
jbigz12
Gimenez is a top 100 prospect who is 20 in AA and you get Dom Smith who is a former top prospect who has proven he can hit in the majors. 1B is wide open in Detroit as well. He has 5 years of control after this season. That’s really not an awful offer at all. You also get Gsellman and Matz who could easily rebound with a new pitching coach. If Detroit passes on that, that’s fine but you better fully expect to see Boyd in a tigers uniform on opening day 2020.
Not that I expect the Mets to offer that given where they are. But if someone came w an equivalent value package to that and Detroit declines i’d say there’s next to no chance Boyd is moved
Matt Galvin
Mets not Trading any of their SS.
RMenzel
Detroit laughs
OCTraveler
Dodgers say “no thank you” and May is RH
Dick Magee
I hear the ghost of Allan Iverson… Prospects? we are talking about prospects? Prospects? is that what we are talking about…Prospects? Go back and look at the top 100 prospects from 2015, most of them are still toiling in the minors. Again…Prospects? are we really talking about prospects?
cowdisciple
Let’s see… Bryant, Buxton, Addison Russell, Correa, Urias, Corey Seager, Giolito, Glasnow, Lindor, Gallo… a few busts and a lot of stars and superstars, and a handful who are good players and may still become stars.
This is why it’s hard to trade for a really high end prospect.
SportsFan0000
That is why all smart teams get multiple high end prospects and established players in blockbuster deals….too many flame out,
proof2006
Phillies should make a move on this. Platoon Haseley and Quinn in center. Move Kingery to 2nd and see if anyone will take on Hernandez. Stick it out with Franco for the season and hope Bohm can step in next year or make a move for Rendon in the off-season. I’ve heard rumblings that Bohm may not be a 3rd basemen
dman07
Lol @ Iverson reference
It blows me away what they’re saying about Boyd. I think of what the Yanks gave up for Happ last year and wonder how much more would Det really get for Boyd? I understand the team control plays a big role here with Boyd…Things should pick up soon! Let’s go
SportsFan0000
If they get lowball offers, they don’t have to trade Boyd.
They have 3 1/2 years team control.,
SecsSeksSecks
Didn’t I read on this site that it has been somewhere around a month and a half since Boyd has even had a quality start? Maybe they said six weeks but darn near the same. I’m not talking about dominant performances. He literally has been unable to turn in even an average MLB start for 6 weeks! Come on! I love his strike out to walk ratio but if you can’t make a single quality start for a month and a half you are either injured or you are not a quality pitcher. I think the Tigers are making this proposition because they hoped to capitalize on Boyd’s short term success and that has fallen apart. Now they are hoping to throw in guys that can contribute but have no purpose on a last place team so they can get the top prospect(s) they were hoping for in Boyd. News flash Detroit: Every other MLB team has noticed Boyds decline. You would be better off asking them for nothing in return for all those guys as long as the acquiring team takes on a noticible portion of Miggy’s contract. Then Detroit’s true rebuild and road to contention will actually become shorter. Boyd, Greene, and Castellanos will never help you get to contention as much as Miggy’s contractual payroll restraints will prevent you from one. Give up the rentals and an overrated pitcher so you can actually start rebuilding for real. You will never truly be in contention as long as Miggy is on the payroll in that capacity. Let them have Boyd and thank your lucky stars you didn’t have to give up Mize at the same time. You need top prospects but you need payroll flexibility more.
Melchez
He went 6 starts. June 13 to july18. All Star game took away almost a week. His last start was a quality start. Two during that stretch were close… 7 innings 4 runs.
Pickle_Britches
Yes his last start out of his last 10 starts how many were QS?
falconsball1993
First off, the QS is a ludicrous stat. It’s completely arbitrary and depends on the managerial hook. He went 7 innings multiple times but gave up 4 runs…that’s worse than going 6 and giving up 3? Smart front offices don’t look at nonsense stats like wins, era, and QS. They look at metrics and projections
jbigz12
Yeah, the QS is definitely an arbitrary line. However you aren’t going to have a very good ERA if you haven’t had very many QS. as arbitrary as it is….
Boyd’s issue is the HRS. He’s a flyball pitcher; it could very well always be an issue and he never can get to that next level. Then eventually stagnates or declines Ala Chris Archer. No General manager wants to repeat Huntington’s mistake. That’s around what Avila wants. Do not think he’ll be changing hands with that kind of ask. He doesn’t even have half the track record that Archer had. And we saw how ridiculous that deal was.
Tigernut2000
You’re assuming Chris Illitch would reinvest Miggy’s pay into additional players. Some of us suspect he would simply target the next highest paid player for trade, assuming anyone is left making more than minimum.
SportsFan0000
Boyd just dominated playoffs contender Phillies and outpitched their ace Nola a few nights ago….Bryce Harper flailing away and striking out like 8 other Phillies.
Boyd struck out 13 Yankees at Yankee stadium.
Have you seen Detroit’s defense?!
They made 2 errors in one inning, then Boyd intentionally walked a guy to load the bases and got out of the jam unharmed,
Hard to pitch when your defense is leaky, bullpen is leaky
offense can’t score…
Has to be demorializing for Starters..
we_got_game
What I find funny is the fact because a guy gives up home runs he’s not elite . lol some of the best pitchers of all time had high home run marks.. Boyd is not an elite all star player.. But he has had 0 off field issues he’s had 0 club house issues.. He is a constant pro.. Now days that means somthing has willing to change his mechanics if need be to advance his game I don’t view him as a #1 but I he has legit #2 stuff and has no problem being a #5 if that’s the situation some guys exspect to be traded then automatically step in as the #1 you won’t have issues like that with Boyd and he is team controlled for 3 more yesrs.. I see tigers getting a good haul in a weak starting left hand market.. If Bum Gardner is off block that leavs Boyd as the top lefty available … I think the twins get both Nick and Boyd for a good haul of hitting prospects somthing Minnesota can actually part with…
flabbit
Rays want Castellanos and Greene
SportsFan0000
And Boyd.
CubsRebsSaints
I hope the Cubs don’t want Greene. If there is a package, I’d rather them get Boyd and Castellanos. Ship Q on and upgrade that spot.
Greene had a plus 5 era just last year. No way. They Cubs have plenty of depth. They only need impact arms. Giles, Yates, Smith, and I like Watson as well. Watson/Smith and Yates and Castellanos. I like Sogard as a Zobrist type. But I’d have to have an answer from him by now.
SportsFan0000
Cubs farm system was already stripped. They don’t have the highly rated players and prospects to do a blockbuster deal,
GarryHarris
I don’t think the Tigers will trade Matthew Boyd. They don’t have anyone else to pitch. Nick Castellanos and Shane Greene could get packaged possibly with Daniel Norris, Joe Jimenez, Buck Farmer or maybe Blaine Hardy.
This team is worse than the 2003 team that lost 119 games. The Tigers have one good player, Matt Boyd. They’re not taking anything but a near sure bet upgrade.
SportsFan0000
False
Tigers are brimming with young pitching:
Daniel Norris, Spencer Turnbull, Tarik Skubal, Tyler Alexander,
And they just signed Edwin Jackson to eat innings.
And they have Zimmerman.
And, they could be getting pitching back in deals also.
And, that does not even count their best young top 100 starters in the minors like Casey Mise, Alex Faedo, Bea Burrows, Manning, Franklin Perez etc..
Tigers need hitters and postion players…They are like Atlanta..lots of great young pitching on the way..
its_happening
Casey Mize should have been the first name mentioned. Daniel Norris should have been left off the list.
SportsFan0000
The order does not matter.
Norris has fought injuries and is due for a breakout next year if healthy.
Scouts say Norris has even better stuff than Fulmer and Boyd if he is right and healthy..
stubby66
I wonder if the Brewers could do a trade with the Tigers for Norris, Boyd and Greene for some kind of deal to start with Ray and Dubon as a starter ?
Ejoey
No.
SportsFan0000
Brewers don’t have the top 100 prospects to do a blockbuster deal.
They might have enough to get Greene.
The conversation would start with Keston Hiura.
weaselpuppy
No one cares who pitches the rest of the year in Detroit. This was cemented when they signed Edwin Jackson and Trevor Rosenthal.
Out of this trade dump season they need at least one of a RF thumper, a CF that can run and hit or a 1b thumper. Don’t care if they do that in 3 deals or one.
Also, they need to finish worst or 2nd worst, as this is shaping up to be a 2 person draft in 2020, transformational prospect-wise.
I like their chances of both happening, which would bump their farm system up to 5th to 8th.
Boyd and Greene together is a better way than Greene/Castellanos or Boyd/Castellanos. They can wait on Norris one more year, no sense selling low for basically nothing. If he fails again, thrn you still have nothing. If he is like most lefties, he takes time to put it all together, and if he comes through, they have a nice back end rotation piece to go with Turnbull while Mize Manning etc fill the front and hope Fulmer can fill the middle.
TIGERS
I think much of Boyd’s value is the control, obviously. Knowing you can pencil him in for the next three years as one of your starters, allows you to start looking at other places to pool your resources. He really would be a trade for the future, and if you’re lucky, help a playoff run. If the Tigers were good, I would would prefer someone like Bauer. Avila is asking a lot, wisely, (and probably won’t get it, wisely)
So be it if someone doesn’t bite. As per MLB rules, the Tigers will be required to field a roster next year, so Boyd will be part of it.
SportsFan0000
Tigers will take a high market offer or overpay for Boyd…no reason to take any less.
Payroll has already been slashed by 50%-60%.
Tigers have 3 more years to trade Boyd or extend him for their next contending team.
Tigers will be loading up on high draft picks.
Could get AZ St. 1B Torkelson who broke Barry Bonds home run record at Az State in the 2020 draft.
tiger9
Quality starts??? Have you seen the Tigers play defence?? They have a left fielder that is clueless. Infielders playing one position today and another tomorrow. Boyd hung in there with Nola the other night. Yes he gave up a home run. If his hitters were more than castoffs and AAA players he might have even won.
Bruin1012
The Tigers control Boyd for three years beyond this one. The Tigers are one of the worse defensive teams in baseball. Boyd is having a good season he strikes out a lot of guys and doesn’t walk many. The defense he plays behind costs him runs all the time. The Tigers should ask for the moon with all the control. If the other teams don’t want to pay the freight then so be it. You hold onto him he can be part of the next great Tigers rotation Mize and Manning aren’t that far off the future is bright for the Motown rotation.
slaverslave
As a lifetime Tiger fan and realist I can appreciate what Avila is doing with Boyd. The ask is High and rightfully so.(if) another team wants to over pay for him obviously we take it and hopefully have some nice building pieces. (IF) not we keep him as he has nothing but time in Detroit to work and develop into a top 2-3 man in a legit rotation. With 3 more years of control we shop him each step of the way. In reality we are in my mind at least 4 years away from fielding a team offensively respectable. Yes we have some quality arms coming real soon but we need deals such as this to bolster what we want to accomplish offensively.or they will be flipped for offense as well. Cheers to a team willing to over pay before the 31st.