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MLB trade rumors: 5 prospects the Tigers should target

By Joshua Sadlock

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
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 /
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May 24, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mike Napoli (5) reacts to striking out during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mike Napoli (5) reacts to striking out during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Leody Taveras

The Texas Rangers began the year slowly, but are still very much alive in the bunched-up American League playoff picture. They have already made it clear they do not plan to sell ace and pending free agent Yu Darvish. This may be the final year for the Rangers in the AL West before the Houston Astros really begin taking off, and they need to capitalize on it.

Last July, the Rangers pulled off big moves for Jonathan Lucroy, Carlos Beltran, and Jeremy Jeffress. They lost Beltran to free agency, but did not spend big for a replacement bat, electing to try and plug the holes with Carlos Gomez and Mike Napoli. Gomez has been good, not great, but Napoli has struggled to do anything but hit home runs. After batting .140 in September and .173 in the playoffs, the 35-year-old first baseman/DH is below the Mendoza Line again.

If the Tigers are willing to offer a bigger package to the Rangers that includes J.D. Martinez and one of their better relievers, they may ask for top prospect Leody Taveras and another big name in return. Only 18, Taveras has been holding his own at High-A against players almost four years older than him. The Rangers have never had a problem mining Latin America for top talent, which could make it easier to part with the toolsy outfielder.

It may be the best course of attack for the Tigers to attempt to package two of their best trade chips together to maximize their return. Martinez is a rental, which will make it more difficult to bring back a number-one prospect. Send a reliever with him, and the offers will be that much sweeter.

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