MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 27: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates catches a ball hit by Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays (not pictured) during the sixth inning at PNC Park on June 27, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – JUNE 2: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Detroit Tigers hits an RBI-double against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Comerica Park on June 2, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the White Sox 15-5. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Detroit Tigers: Brendan Rodgers

The Tigers have to go big in their pursuit of top prospects when they auction off J.D. Martinez and Justin Verlander (assuming he is dealt). The Rockies make a ton of sense as a trade partner for the Tigers on paper. Colorado can always use another bat for their video-game lineup and their pitching staff is beginning to hit the rookie wall.

Detroit has several pieces that align with what the Rockies need to keep themselves in the conversation for the NL West title. The focus then becomes identifying which prospects are attainable through a trade.

Brendan Rodgers is the number-four overall prospect at shortstop, which is no knock against him given how deep the position is in the minor leagues. He was the third pick in the 2015 draft and has raked as a pro. Rodgers hit 19 home runs and had 50 extra-base hits in 2016 at Low-A and hit .400 in 48 games at High-A this year before being promoted to Double-A at the age of 20. He has the potential to be an immediate impact bat when he makes his MLB debut.

Rodgers is the highest-rated prospect who could potentially be had by the Tigers if they push the right buttons in negotiations with the Rockies. Colorado may have other plans at the deadline that do not involve trading their top prospect, but Detroit needs to gauge his availability.

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