Report: Kinsler, J.D. Could Be First Tigers To Go
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
When baseball's Winter Meetings begin next week in Maryland, several Tigers will be worth keeping an eye on.
J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler, in particular.
According to Yahoo.com's Jeff Passan, Martinez and Kinsler are the two Tigers drawing the most interest on the trade market as the organization prepares for an offseason of cutting costs.
Tigers are exploring all possibilities, but one thing is near certain: They'll shed payroll. Martinez, Kinsler have gotten the most bites.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2016
Martinez, 29, hit .307 in 2016 with 22 HR and 68 RBI in 120 games, posting an offensive-WAR* of 4.1. He will make $11.75 million next season after which he will become a free agent.
Kinsler, 34, hit .288 in 2016 with 28 HR and 83 RBI in 153 games, posting an offensive-WAR of 6.1. He will make $14 million next season with a team option of $11 million for 2018.
Both players are bonafide bargains, and valuable trade chips as a result. If the Tigers intend to deal either of them, it would behoove them to do so now - particularly in the case of Martinez, who looks headed for a serious payday in 2017.
Of the teams interested in Martinez, the Giants have been mentioned the most.
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/11/15/report-tigers-giants-talking-j-d-martinez-trade/
Sources: Giants are exploring all avenues for a power outfield bat. Among those they've talked about: J.D. Martinez, who Tigers would deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2016
Earlier on Friday, Jon Morosi reported that the Phillies are in on Martinez as well.
Sources: #Tigers, #Phillies have spoken about J.D. Martinez trade but talks are not progressing. Philly looking for short-term outfield bat.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 2, 2016
All of these rumors should be taken with a great of salt, of course. Just yesterday, it was reported that Justin Wilson was the hottest Tiger on the trade market.
*per baseball-reference.com