MLB trade rumors: Tigers should make these 5 moves

Mar 12, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA;Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) runs to first base on a double to center during the third inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 18, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrates after he hits a three run home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Trade J.D. Martinez

The 29-year-old veteran outfielder is a free agent after this season, and the Tigers are almost certainly not going to try to re-sign him. Martinez himself says contract extension talks are “highly unlikely” and GM Al Avila says the club wants to reduce payroll in the offseason.

Martinez has been one of the best hitters in the American League over the past several seasons (top 10 in OPS in 2014, 2015 and 2016). He continues to rake in 2017, albeit in limited duty so far due to injuries.

Any contender looking to bolster its offense for the stretch run would be in the mix if the Tigers made him available.

The New York Yankees, for example, need some pop at first base. Would they be willing to trade a prospect or two for Martinez and try to teach him to play first base (cue “Moneyball” gif of Ron Washington saying “It’s incredibly hard”)?

Or can you imagine Martinez in Coors Field? The surprising Colorado Rockies could use some help in left field, where Gerardo Parra has been an awful.

The point is Martinez likely would be the best bat available at the deadline. Surely the Tigers could turn the remainder of his contract into something useful for the future.

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