MLB trade rumors: Tigers should make these 5 moves

4. Promote from within

With Martinez out of the picture, the Tigers should bring up prospect Christin Stewart (he’s heard all your “Twilight” jokes, thanks) to take his place in the lineup and the field.

ESPN’s Keith Law sees as the 23-year-old Stewart as “an everyday left fielder” (albeit a subpar defender) with power and speed.

He has hit at every level, and his numbers at Double-A Erie this year have been good (.272/.389/.609, 13 homers, three triples through Tuesday).

“Offensively, obviously he’s a force,” said Erie manager Lance Parrish. “He continues to improve with his recognition of the strike zone, and with being aggressive on balls in the strike zone.

“He’s patient at the plate.”

He is not ready to replace Martinez’s production yet, but why not see what he can do against MLB pitching without the pressure of a pennant race?

And let’s face it, “young and speedy” are not words we would use to describe the Tigers in recent years. Stewart would add an element the team hasn’t seen in a long time.

Ultimately, Stewart may become a first baseman or DH, but right now Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, respectively, are in his way at those positions.

In any case, Stewart figures to be a part of the next Detroit contender. Might as well get the ball rolling.