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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 23: Ian Kinsler /

3. Deal Ian Kinsler

The four-time All-Star doesn’t have Martinez’s bat, but he plays a key defensive position and is under club control through the end of 2018, when he is set to make $10 million.

A contender looking for infield help (or some kind of nebulous “clubhouse presence” or “veteran leadership”) might be interested in the man who won a Gold Glove last year and has played in more than 30 postseason games, including two World Series. Kinsler is widely considered the Tigers’ team leader.

The Los Angles Dodgers, for instance, could release Chase Utley and replace his roster spot with fellow veteran Kinsler, who is a far more productive bat at this point in their respective careers. That would allow L.A. some flexibility, with Logan Forsythe around to play either third or second as needed depending on who’s healthy (always a concern on a veteran team).

The Tigers are not likely to get a great return on Kinsler, given his age (he turns 35 next month) and his sub par offensive production so far in 2017. On the other hand, he had an OPS-plus of 124 just last year, his best mark since the was with the Texas Rangers in 2008.

If Detroit waits until closer to the deadline to make him available, they may get lucky and find some contender suddenly in need of a second baseman due to injuries.

And even if they can’t get much, it would be worth it to move Kinsler just for getting his contract off the books.

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